Communication Errors in Radiology and How to Avoid Them: From Actionable Reports to AI | Domain: Quality Improvement in Your Practice (2024)-S1-CIN03-2024

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation at RSNA 2023 focused on improving communication in radiology to reduce errors and enhance patient care. It emphasized that communication errors are a leading cause of adverse events, contributing to significant patient harm and mistrust in the healthcare system. Speakers highlighted the critical role of communication in the radiology workflow, from order placement to report generation. Solutions proposed included implementing structured reports, standardizing terminology, and utilizing diagnostic certainty scales to minimize ambiguity in radiological findings.<br /><br />One presentation discussed the use of e-consults, particularly asynchronous ones, as a means to improve communication efficiency while alleviating immediate disruptions in radiology work routines. It was noted that e-consults are not only preferred by both providers and radiologists but also contribute to cost reductions and efficiency improvements.<br /><br />The session further explored how artificial intelligence and informatics could bolster communication. It proposed integrating large language models and RFIDs to streamline order and protocol management, automate post-processing, and enhance reporting accuracy. The future of radiology lies in leveraging advanced informatics to foster communication throughout the imaging value chain, thus improving diagnostic outcomes and patient care. The overarching message was that radiology should focus on reducing clinical uncertainty and influencing behavior change rather than merely generating reports.

Keywords

RSNA 2023

radiology communication

patient care

communication errors

structured reports

e-consults

artificial intelligence

large language models

diagnostic outcomes

informatics