Reducing errors: How structured feedback between radiologists and referrers improves patient care
Structured communication feedback systems between radiologists and intensive care unit physicians can significantly reduce instances of adverse events.
This was proven recently following a quality management (QM) initiative that was implemented for radiological exams within an ICU setting [1]. The initiative consisted of regular multidisciplinary conferences (MDC) between radiologists and ICU physicians where various QM events, such as interpretation errors and inappropriate imaging criteria, were highlighted and feedback on the events was provided from both perspectives.
The details of the initiative were published recently in Insights Into Imaging.
“These conferences follow the principles of any radiological demonstration: radiologists present and re-interpret radiological examinations on the grounds of clinical information potentially unavailable to the first reader,” corresponding author Gloria Muench of the Berlin Institute of Health and colleagues explained.
From June 2018 through December 2019, a total of 973 examinations were subject to the MDCs, 14% of which were affected by QM events. The majority of QM events were report-related, such a missed finding. Procedure-related (i.e. technical issues) and indication-related events were also reported.
When comparing the first half to the second half of the MDC interventions, a nearly 14% reduction in QM events was noted.
More timely identification of errors was also observed during the intervention—something that experts involved in the initiative stated is especially important in ICU settings, as these patients typically suffer for more complex conditions.
“Correcting errors by early reporting may impede adverse events in patients. Establishing a regular structured feedback mechanism should benefit all participants and may thus reduce errors as well as improve the overall quality of the diagnostic workup process,” the authors wrote, adding that such structured feedback also fosters a positive communication environment, which would encourage junior physicians participate as well.
To learn more about the initiative, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.