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1.
Radiology ; 310(1): e231469, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38259205

ABSTRACT

Background Health care access disparities and lack of inclusion in clinical research have been well documented for marginalized populations. However, few studies exist examining the research funding of institutions that serve historically underserved groups. Purpose To assess the relationship between research funding awarded to radiology departments by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Lown Institute Hospitals Index rankings for inclusivity and community benefit. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included radiology departments awarded funding from the NIH between 2017 and 2021. The 2021 Lown Institute Hospitals Index rankings for inclusivity and community benefit were examined. The inclusivity metric measures how similar a hospital's patient population is to the surrounding community in terms of income, race and ethnicity, and education level. The community benefit metric measures charity care spending, Medicaid as a proportion of patient revenue, and other community benefit spending. Linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficients (r values) were used to evaluate the relationship between aggregate NIH radiology department research funding and measures of inclusivity and community benefit. Results Seventy-five radiology departments that received NIH funding ranging from $195 000 to $216 879 079 were included. A negative correlation was observed between the amount of radiology department research funding received and institutional rankings for serving patients from racial and/or ethnic minorities (r = -0.34; P < .001), patients with low income (r = -0.44; P < .001), and patients with lower levels of education (r = -0.46; P < .001). No correlation was observed between the amount of radiology department research funding and institutional rankings for charity care spending (r = -0.19; P = .06), community investment (r = -0.04; P = .68), and Medicaid as a proportion of patient revenue (r = -0.10; P = .22). Conclusion Radiology departments that received more NIH research funding were less likely to serve patients from racial and/or ethnic minorities and patients who had low income or lower levels of education. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Mehta and Rosen in this issue.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , United States , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Hospitals , Academies and Institutes
2.
Radiology ; 311(1): e240219, 2024 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38652030

ABSTRACT

Climate change adversely affects the well-being of humans and the entire planet. A planetary health framework recognizes that sustaining a healthy planet is essential to achieving individual, community, and global health. Radiology contributes to the climate crisis by generating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the production and use of medical imaging equipment and supplies. To promote planetary health, strategies that mitigate and adapt to climate change in radiology are needed. Mitigation strategies to reduce GHG emissions include switching to renewable energy sources, refurbishing rather than replacing imaging scanners, and powering down unused scanners. Radiology departments must also build resiliency to the now unavoidable impacts of the climate crisis. Adaptation strategies include education, upgrading building infrastructure, and developing departmental sustainability dashboards to track progress in achieving sustainability goals. Shifting practices to catalyze these necessary changes in radiology requires a coordinated approach. This includes partnering with key stakeholders, providing effective communication, and prioritizing high-impact interventions. This article reviews the intersection of planetary health and radiology. Its goals are to emphasize why we should care about sustainability, showcase actions we can take to mitigate our impact, and prepare us to adapt to the effects of climate change. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Ibrahim et al in this issue. See also the article by Lenkinski and Rofsky in this issue.


Subject(s)
Climate Change , Global Health , Humans , Greenhouse Gases , Radiology , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration
3.
Radiology ; 311(2): e232329, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38742975

ABSTRACT

Background High rates of provider burnout and turnover, as well as staffing shortages, are creating crises within radiology departments. Identifying ways to support health care workers, such as the Positively Energizing Leadership program, is important during these ongoing crises. Purpose To identify the relationship between leadership behaviors and workplace climate and health care worker outcomes (ie, burnout, intent to leave, and engagement) and to determine whether the positive leadership program could improve workplace climate and health care worker outcomes. Materials and Methods This prospective study involved two parts. First, a web-based survey was administered to faculty and staff in a breast imaging unit of a large academic medical center in February 2021 to identify relationships between leadership behaviors and workplace climate and health care worker outcomes. Second, a web-based survey was administered in February 2023, following the implementation of a positive leadership program, to determine improvement in engagement and reduction of burnout and intent to leave since 2021. Multiple regression, the Sobel test, Pearson correlation, and the t test were used, with a conservative significance level of P < .001. Results The sample consisted of 88 respondents (response rate, 95%) in 2021 and 85 respondents (response rate, 92%) in 2023. Leadership communication was associated with a positive workplace climate (ß = 0.76, P < .001) and a positive workplace climate was associated with improved engagement (ß = 0.53, P < .001), reduction in burnout (ß = -0.42, P < .001), and reduction in intent to leave (ß = -0.49, P < .001). Following a 2-year positive leadership program, improved perceptions were observed for leadership communication (pretest mean, 4.59 ± 1.51 [SD]; posttest mean, 5.80 ± 1.01; t = 5.97, P < .001), workplace climate (pretest mean, 5.09 ± 1.43; posttest mean, 5.77 ± 1.11; t = 3.35, P < .001), and engagement (pretest mean, 5.27 ± 1.20, posttest mean, 5.68 ± 0.96; t = 2.50, P < .01), with a reduction in burnout (pretest mean, 2.69 ± 0.94; posttest mean, 2.18 ± 0.74; t = 3.50, P < .001) and intent to leave (pretest mean, 3.12 ± 2.23; posttest mean, 2.56 ± 1.84; t = 1.78, P < .05). Conclusion After implementation of a positive leadership program in a radiology department breast imaging unit, burnout and intention to leave decreased among health care workers, while engagement increased. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Thrall in this issue.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Leadership , Humans , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Female , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Adult , Male , Job Satisfaction , Intention , Personnel Turnover/statistics & numerical data , Workplace/psychology , Middle Aged
4.
Curr Opin Urol ; 34(5): 390-395, 2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38847801

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is an ever-growing focus on climate change and its impact on our society. With healthcare contributing a sizeable proportion of carbon emissions, the sector has a duty to address its environmental impact. We highlight the recent progress, current challenges, and future prospects for reducing the carbon footprint in diagnostic urology, specifically for imaging, without compromising patient care. RECENT FINDINGS: The review is separated into four key areas of recent research: the design of a green radiology department, considering both infrastructural as well as behavioural changes that promote sustainability; individual scanners, where we provide an update on recent technological advancements and changes in behaviour that may enhance sustainable use; responsible resource allocation, where it is important to derive the maximal benefit for patients through the smallest use of resources; the recent research regarding single versus reusable urologic endoscopes as a case example. SUMMARY: We offer an overview of the present sustainability landscape in diagnostic urology with the aim of encouraging additional research in areas where existing practices may be challenged. To protect the environment, attention is drawn to both more simple steps that can be taken as well as some more complex and expensive ones.


Subject(s)
Carbon Footprint , Carbon Footprint/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Urology/methods , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Diagnostic Techniques, Urological/trends , Climate Change
5.
Radiographics ; 44(9): e230162, 2024 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39146206

ABSTRACT

Inclusive leadership styles value team members, invite diverse perspectives, and recognize and support the contributions of employees. The authors provide guidance to radiology leaders interested in developing inclusive leadership skills and competencies to improve workforce recruitment and retention and unlock the potential of a rapidly diversifying health care workforce. As health care organizations look to attract the best and brightest talent, they will be increasingly recruiting millennial and Generation Z employees, who belong to the most diverse generations in American history. Additionally, radiology departments currently face critical workforce shortages in radiologists, radiology technicians, staff, and advanced practice providers. In the context of these shortages, the costs of employee turnover have emphasized the need for radiology leaders to develop leadership behaviors that promote recruitment and retention. Radiology department leaders who perceive and treat valued employees as replaceable commodities will be forced to deal with the extremely high costs associated with recruitment and training, decreased morale, and increased burnout. The authors review inclusive versus exclusive leadership styles, describe key attributes and skills of inclusive leaders, provide radiology leaders with concrete methods to make their organizations more inclusive, and outline key steps in change management. By adopting and implementing inclusive leadership strategies, radiology groups can position themselves to succeed in rapidly diversifying health care environments. ©RSNA, 2024 See the invited commentary by Siewert in this issue.


Subject(s)
Leadership , Radiology Department, Hospital , Humans , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Personnel Selection , Radiologists , United States , Cultural Diversity , Radiology/organization & administration
6.
Pediatr Radiol ; 54(3): 407-412, 2024 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36853376

ABSTRACT

There is a severe shortage of pediatric radiologists in the USA and across the globe due to multiple factors. These severe shortages, along with increased clinical demand, growing research costs and limited funding sources place pediatric radiologists, particularly those in academic departments, under increasing time pressure, affecting their ability to maintain research productivity. In this paper, we model a new concept that should help boost the research efforts within the pediatric radiology community, while diversifying the academic workforce through the involvement of international medical graduates (IMGs). We describe the mutual advantages this concept could have on academic pediatric radiology departments and IMGs alike, as well as pose some of the unique challenges that could impact this concept and effective strategies to ensure success.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Humans , Child , Radiologists
7.
Pediatr Radiol ; 54(6): 936-943, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38483592

ABSTRACT

Human factors engineering involves the study and development of methods aimed at enhancing performance, improving safety, and optimizing user satisfaction. The focus of human factors engineering encompasses the design of work environments and an understanding of human mental processes to prevent errors. In this review, we summarize the history, applications, and impacts of human factors engineering on the healthcare field. To illustrate these applications and impacts, we provide several examples of how successful integration of a human factors engineer in our pediatric radiology department has positively impacted various projects. The successful integration of human factors engineering expertise has contributed to projects including improving response times for portable radiography requests, deploying COVID-19 response resources, informing the redesign of scheduling workflows, and implementation of a virtual ergonomics program for remote workers. In sum, the integration of human factors engineering insight into our department has resulted in tangible benefits and has also positioned us as proactive contributors to broader hospital-wide improvements.


Subject(s)
Ergonomics , Pediatrics , Ergonomics/methods , Humans , Pediatrics/methods , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Radiology/organization & administration , Radiology/methods , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2
8.
Emerg Radiol ; 31(3): 429-434, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581613

ABSTRACT

Overnight radiology (ONR) is necessary for providing timely patient care but poses unique professional and personal challenges to the radiologists. Maintaining a sustainable, long-term overnight radiology program hinges on the retention of radiologists who grasp the institutional workflow and can adeptly navigate inherent disruptions while consistently delivering high-quality patient care. Design of radiology shifts can significantly impact the performance and well-being of radiologists, with downstream implications for patient care and risk management. We provide a narrative review of literature to make recommendations for optimally designing ONR shifts, with a focus on professional and personal challenges pertinent to overnight radiologists and system-based risk mitigation strategies.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Humans , Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Workflow , Radiologists , Personnel Staffing and Scheduling , Risk Management
9.
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban ; 55(3): 612-618, 2024 May 20.
Article in Zh | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38948298

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the status quo and the needs of medical imaging technicians (MITs) in the radiology department of secondary and tertiary hospitals in China, so as to provide references and support for the development of the medical imaging technology industry and the relevant policymaking by health administrative departments. Methods: The questionnaire was developed by the Chinese Society of Imaging Technology. The radiology department of each hospital involved in the survey recommended one MIT to fill out the online questionnaire. The contents included: (a) the basic information of the hospital; (b) a general overview of the MITs in the hospital; (c) daily work; (d) career development and promotion; (e) research status and needs, etc. Differences in the number of MIT staff were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the selected numbers of MITs in need between regions or between different levels of hospitals. Results: In this investigation, valid questionnaires were finally obtained from a total of 5403 hospitals in 31 provinces in China. The total number of MITs of the hospitals covered in the sample was 67481. The number of MITs in each hospital was 9 (5, 16). The male-to-female ratio was 1.41:1. MITs who were 20 to 40 years old accounted for 78%. The proportions of MITs who had completed doctorate, master's, undergraduate, junior college, and technical secondary school or lower level education were 0.6%, 3.3%, 60.7%, 30.8%, and 4.55%, respectively. The proportions of chief MITs, deputy chief MITs, supervisor MITs, primary MITs, assistant technician and those below were 1.0%, 4.21%, 22.1%, 51.8%, and 20.9%, respectively. The overall professional satisfaction of MITs was good. "Lack of opportunities for learning and communication" was quoted as the main problem MITs encountered in regard to improving their job-related competency. 59.2% of the respondents had not published any academic papers in the past five years, and only 7.0% of the respondents had published in journals included in the Science Citation Index (SCI) in the past five years. Conclusion: MITs in China are on average relatively young and the number of MITs has greatly increased. At this stage, more attention should be given to the cultivation of talents and continuing education of MITs and the construction of the discipline should be further strengthened, so as to provide strong support for the development of the medical imaging technology industry in China.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Imaging , China , Surveys and Questionnaires , Humans , Female , Male , Diagnostic Imaging/statistics & numerical data , Radiology Department, Hospital , Adult , Workforce/statistics & numerical data
10.
Eur Radiol ; 33(12): 8833-8841, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37418025

ABSTRACT

Radiology artificial intelligence (AI) projects involve the integration of integrating numerous medical devices, wireless technologies, data warehouses, and social networks. While cybersecurity threats are not new to healthcare, their prevalence has increased with the rise of AI research for applications in radiology, making them one of the major healthcare risks of 2021. Radiologists have extensive experience with the interpretation of medical imaging data but radiologists may not have the required level of awareness or training related to AI-specific cybersecurity concerns. Healthcare providers and device manufacturers can learn from other industry sector industries that have already taken steps to improve their cybersecurity systems. This review aims to introduce cybersecurity concepts as it relates to medical imaging and to provide background information on general and healthcare-specific cybersecurity challenges. We discuss approaches to enhancing the level and effectiveness of security through detection and prevention techniques, as well as ways that technology can improve security while mitigating risks. We first review general cybersecurity concepts and regulatory issues before examining these topics in the context of radiology AI, with a specific focus on data, training, data, training, implementation, and auditability. Finally, we suggest potential risk mitigation strategies. By reading this review, healthcare providers, researchers, and device developers can gain a better understanding of the potential risks associated with radiology AI projects, as well as strategies to improve cybersecurity and reduce potential associated risks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This review can aid radiologists' and related professionals' understanding of the potential cybersecurity risks associated with radiology AI projects, as well as strategies to improve security. KEY POINTS: • Embarking on a radiology artificial intelligence (AI) project is complex and not without risk especially as cybersecurity threats have certainly become more abundant in the healthcare industry. • Fortunately healthcare providers and device manufacturers have the advantage of being able to take inspiration from other industry sectors who are leading the way in the field. • Herein we provide an introduction to cybersecurity as it pertains to radiology, a background to both general and healthcare-specific cybersecurity challenges; we outline general approaches to improving security through both detection and preventative techniques, and instances where technology can increase security while mitigating risks.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Humans , Artificial Intelligence , Radiology/methods , Radiologists , Computer Security
11.
J Vasc Interv Radiol ; 34(4): 563-567, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36539152

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination on radiation protection apparel (RPAs) in the radiology department and compare findings with those from other studies of RPA lead-dust contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey of RPAs was conducted between June and December 2021 in radiology departments at a tertiary-care university hospital. A convenience sample of RPAs located on wall-mounted racks outside the angiography suite and emergency department was surveyed. Surface lead dust on RPAs was detected using a rapid qualitative test. RESULTS: A total of 69 RPAs included full-length frontal lead aprons (n = 11), full-length frontal lead aprons (n = 25) with thyroid collars (n = 25), and thyroid collars alone (n = 8). Garments consisted mainly of a lead/antimony composite core with a 0.5-mm lead equivalency. One RPA failed radiologic quality inspection, and 8 garments were in poor or worn condition. The overall prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination on RPAs was 60.9% (95% CI, 49.1%-71.5%) and was significantly (P = .0035) higher on thyroid collars (78.8% [95% CI, 62.2%-89.3%]) than on lead aprons (44.4% [95% CI, 29.5%-60.4%]). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination was detected on RPAs using a rapid qualitative test. There is currently no established safe level of lead, and these findings suggest RPAs be monitored frequently not only for physical defects limiting radiation protection but also for lead-dust contamination.


Subject(s)
Radiation Protection , Radiology Department, Hospital , Humans , Radiation Dosage , Dust , Protective Clothing
12.
J Vasc Interv Radiol ; 34(9): 1599-1608.e29, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37003577

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the attitudes of interventional radiologists (IRs) and diagnostic radiologists (DRs) toward exclusive contracts and independently practicing IRs who may request privileges at a hospital where an exclusive contract exists with a different group of radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22,400 survey instruments were distributed to 4,490 IRs and 17,910 DRs in the United States. Statistical evaluation included multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis with calculation of the odds ratios and forest plots. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 525 (11.69%) IRs and 401 (2.23%) DRs. Given the low response rate of DRs, data analysis was focused on IRs. Early-career IRs and those in outpatient practices had a more positive attitude toward independent IRs who requested admitting and/or procedural privileges. A supermajority of both IRs and DRs who responded to the survey agreed that the importance of IR to hospital and health system contracts will increase. CONCLUSIONS: This survey identified many interrelated and complex variables that significantly affected the attitudes of IRs in various practice settings toward independent IRs requesting hospital admitting and/or procedural privileges. It will benefit independent IRs seeking admitting privileges to better understand some of the factors that impact the potential willingness of the radiology groups and other IRs with exclusive hospital contracts to work toward mutually beneficial practice paradigms, especially as more clinically oriented IRs complete their training in the new, integrated residency programs.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology, Interventional , Humans , United States , Radiology, Interventional/education , Radiologists , Surveys and Questionnaires , Attitude
13.
J Xray Sci Technol ; 31(2): 265-276, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36806541

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on deep learning (DL) of rib fractures for night shifts in radiology department. METHODS: Chest computed tomography (CT) images and structured reports were retrospectively selected from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for 2,332 blunt chest trauma patients. In all CT imaging examinations, two on-duty radiologists (radiologists I and II) completed reports using three different reading patterns namely, P1 = independent reading during the day shift; P2 = independent reading during the night shift; and P3 = reading with the aid of a CAD system as the concurrent reader during the night shift. The locations and types of rib fractures were documented for each reading. In this study, the reference standard for rib fractures was established by an expert group. Sensitivity and false positives per scan (FPS) were counted and compared among P1, P2, and P3. RESULTS: The reference standard verified 6,443 rib fractures in the 2,332 patients. The sensitivity of both radiologists decreased significantly in P2 compared to that in P1 (both p <  0.017). The sensitivities of both radiologists showed no statistical difference between P3 and P1 (both p >  0.017). Radiologist I's FPS increased significantly in P2 compared to P1 (p <  0.017). The FPS of radiologist I showed no statistically significant difference between P3 and P1 (p >  0.017). The FPS of Radiologist II showed no statistical difference among all three reading patterns (p >  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DL-based CAD systems can be integrated into the workflow of radiology departments during the night shift to improve the diagnostic performance of CT rib fractures.


Subject(s)
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , Rib Fractures , Humans , Deep Learning , Retrospective Studies , Rib Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , Thoracic Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods , Radiology Department, Hospital , Shift Work Schedule , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Male , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over
14.
Radiology ; 304(1): 123-125, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35258372

ABSTRACT

Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Tuite in this issue.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires
15.
Radiology ; 302(3): 613-619, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34812668

ABSTRACT

Background Emotional harm incidents in health care may result in lost trust and adverse outcomes. However, investigations of emotional harm in radiology departments remain lacking. Purpose To better understand contributors and clinical scenarios in which emotional harm can occur in radiology, to document incidences, and to develop preventative countermeasures. Materials and Methods A large tertiary hospital adverse event reporting system was retrospectively searched for submissions under the category of dignity and respect in radiology between December 2014 and December 2020. Submissions were assigned to one of 14 categories per a previously developed classification system. Root-cause analysis of events was performed with a focus on countermeasures for future prevention. The person experiencing emotional harm (patient or staff) was noted. Results Of all radiology-related submissions, 37 of 3032 (1.2%) identified 43 dignity and respect incidents: failure to be patient centered (n = 23; 54%), disrespectful communication (n = 16; 37%), privacy violation (n = 2; 5%), minimization of patient concerns (n = 1; 2%), and loss of property (n = 1; 2%). Failure to be patient centered (n = 23) was subcategorized into disregard for patient preference (12 of 23; 52%), delay in care (eight of 23; 35%), and ineffective communication (three of 23; 13%). Of the 43 incidents, 32 involved patients (74%) and 11 involved staff (26%). Emotional harm in staff was because of disrespectful communication from other staff (eight of 11; 73%). Seventy-three countermeasures were identified: staff communication training (n = 32; 44%), individual feedback (n = 18; 25%), system innovation (n = 16; 22%), improvement of existing communication processes (n = 3; 4%), process reminders (n = 3; 4%), and unclear (n = 1; 1%). Individual feedback and staff communication training that focused on active listening, asking for the patient's preferences, and closed-loop communication addressed 34 of the 43 incidents (79%). Conclusion Most emotional harm incidents were from disrespectful communication and failure to be patient centered. Providing training focused on active listening, asking for patient's preferences, and closed-loop communication would potentially prevent most of these incidents. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Bruno in this issue.


Subject(s)
Emotions , Interprofessional Relations , Patient Safety , Professional-Patient Relations , Radiology Department, Hospital , Respect , Female , Humans , Male , Medical Errors/prevention & control , Privacy , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Root Cause Analysis , Theft
16.
Eur Radiol ; 32(10): 7048-7055, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35380224

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the response in the management of both radiological emergencies and continuity of care in oncologic/fragile patients of a radiology department of Sant'Andrea Academic Hospital in Rome supported by a dedicated business analytics software during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Imaging volumes and workflows for 2019 and 2020 were analyzed. Information was collected from the hospital data warehouse and evaluated using a business analytics software, aggregated both per week and per quarter, stratified by patient service location (emergency department, inpatients, outpatients) and imaging modality. For emergency radiology subunit, radiologist workload, machine workload, and turnaround times (TATs) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Total imaging volume in 2020 decreased by 21.5% compared to that in 2019 (p < .001); CT in outpatients increased by 11.7% (p < .005). Median global TAT and median code-blue global TAT were not statistically significantly different between 2019 and 2020 and between the first and the second pandemic waves in 2020 (all p > .09). Radiologist workload decreased by 24.7% (p < .001) during the first pandemic wave in 2020 compared with the same weeks of 2019 and showed no statistically significant difference during the second pandemic wave, compared with the same weeks of 2019 (p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the reduction of total imaging volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, management decisions supported by a dedicated business analytics software allowed to increase the number of CT in fragile/oncologic outpatients without significantly affecting emergency radiology TATs, and emergency radiologist workload. KEY POINTS: • During the COVID-19 pandemic, management decisions supported by business analytics software guaranteed efficiency of emergency and preservation of fragile/oncologic patient continuity of care. • Real-time data monitoring using business analytics software is essential for appropriate management decisions in a department of radiology. • Business analytics should be gradually introduced in all healthcare institutions to identify strong and weak points in workflow taking correct decisions.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Pandemics , Software
17.
Clin Radiol ; 77(8): e667-e672, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35688772

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess attitudes towards the climate emergency among radiology staff and to identify current practices that may contribute towards the National Health Service (NHS) net zero target. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey of radiology staff was conducted assessing current attitudes to the climate emergency. Further questions focused on staff travel, home working, virtual conferences, and recycling. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two responses were received from all staff groups within radiology. There were high levels of concern about the climate emergency among radiology staff. Active travel accounts for a relatively small proportion of commuting related to provision of radiology services. Some energy-saving measures are implemented commonly in radiology departments but these are likely to account for only a small proportion of energy use within a department. CONCLUSION: There is significant scope for reducing the carbon footprint of radiology services by reducing travel, both for work and for radiology education. We discuss the potential for large savings related to energy-saving measures.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Humans , Radiography , Radiology/education , State Medicine , United Kingdom
18.
Emerg Radiol ; 29(6): 1033-1042, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36094681

ABSTRACT

Social media has become integrated within the profession of medicine, and emergency radiology has inevitably felt the impact of its presence. Emergency radiologists are encouraged to consider the advantages of embracing the digital era and the benefits it may bring to our careers. We aim to present the best practice guidelines for emergency radiologists and radiology departments. This paper is a product of the American Society of Emergency Radiology Social Media (ASER) Committee workgroup and represents the best practices of the society.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology , Social Media , Humans , United States , Radiologists
19.
J Digit Imaging ; 35(5): 1350-1357, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35445342

ABSTRACT

Regular communication between technologists and radiologists is necessary for maintaining optimal diagnostic image quality throughout a radiology practice. In a large hospital system with multiple sites, this task becomes increasingly difficult without simultaneously causing significant disruptions in the clinical workflow and decreased throughput. Thus, establishing a system for quality control reporting that enables effective communication in a seamless and convenient manner is imperative. In this report, we describe the development of a new integrated system, in collaboration with our PACS vendor, with tools that allow for instant reporting of quality errors and dashboards providing real-time up-to-date quality data across our hospital system, directly accessible from PACS. To date, 8,167 quality reports have been logged in our new system with roughly 355 submissions per month. Early user engagement and consensus feedback among radiologists and technologists have been positive suggesting an overall improvement from prior systems. We hope this report can help inform other radiology enterprises seeking to improve quality control reporting within their clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology Information Systems , Radiology , Humans , Quality Control , Radiologists
20.
J Digit Imaging ; 35(4): 754-759, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35995902

ABSTRACT

Transferring medical imaging studies from one institution to another is a common occurrence in today's medical practice. For the past two decades, radiology departments have relied on physical media (compact discs and digital video disks) and human couriers to accomplish image transfer. This mode of transfer is slow, prone to failure, and reliant on outdated technology. To address these shortcomings, multiple image-sharing vendors have created electronic, cloud-based solutions. While these solutions solve multiple problems, a new problem has been introduced: it is difficult to send or receive images across image-sharing platforms. In this work, we describe how we have developed a solution to share images across multiple vendor platforms.


Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital , Radiology Information Systems , Diagnostic Imaging , Humans
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