Radiologists typically operate under the visage that their work is completed behind closed doors. In fact, most patients rarely even meet the medical imaging specialists responsible for diagnosing their injuries or health conditions.
However, a desire for interpersonal relationships with physicians is changing health care conversations in the clinical practice.
Patients want more connections with docs
A recent survey, published in the Dec. 20 online edition of the Journal of the American College of Radiology, highlighted patients' transition on relationships with their doctors. HealthImaging reported that the department of diagnostic radiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, distributed questionnaires to explore what factors led to positive patient experiences at the facility.
"Helping patients cope with negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, depression and anger, requires hospital staff to be attentive and empathetic," wrote lead author Joseph Rodgers Steele, M.D., quoted by the source. "Hospitality is considered an important component of patient satisfaction."
According to Steele and his colleagues, cancer patients' needs can be drastically different from other patients, as they deal with factors during the course of their treatments. These can include increased anxiety, fear and emotional stress on top of concerns about appointment wait times and interactions with providers. Recently, many doctors have worked toward warmer relationships with individuals, akin to host and guest conversations at restaurants and hotels.
The survey was sent to 30,000 randomly selected patients who had undergone diagnostic imaging studies between 2011 and 2012. Two months later, a shorter follow-up poll was sent to people who did not open the original questionnaire. A total of 4,170 patients completed the survey, with the top three results regarding overall positive experiences, including:
- Having physicians recognize and address patient concerns
- Being treated respectfully by clinical staff
- Engaging in personalized interactions with doctor and nurses
Improving interactions not only serves patients, but also helps radiologists and other physicians avoid malpractice lawsuits.
Communication helps prevent litigation
Diagnostic Imaging explained that industry experts attending the annual Radiological Society of North America meeting this year highlighted communication as a key component of financial survival in 2015. Ensuring fluid conversations among radiologists, referring physicians and patients promotes effective information sharing.
Many doctors who experience medical malpractice lawsuits are targeted for the same shortcomings – bad outcomes and upset families. If people fail to understand their insurance coverage or health statuses, physicians are the ones held responsible for poor clinical results. However, if radiologists and other doctors keep patients informed at all times, practices can reduce the risk of lawsuits.
Graham Billingham, M.D., chief medical officer for malpractice insurance provider Medical Protective Company, explained that 75 percent of radiology lawsuits are associated with failures to diagnose or communicate outcomes. To effectively protect themselves from potential litigation, radiologists should proactively seek out all information available to them before discharging patients. Comparing test results to previous records and recommending second opinions can go a long way in protecting the practice.
Contact Viztek for more information.
Ronny Bachrach
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