QI: Low Quality Radiology Requests and the Effect on Radiology Output and Patient Care | Domain: Radiologist Performance Improvement (2025)-R4-RCP0921-2025

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Arsenic Quality Session explores the impact of low-quality radiology requests on clinical care. Key presentations from experts, including Dr. Thorworth, Dr. Gaskin, and others, discussed various facets of radiology requests and implementation strategies for clinical decision support (CDS) systems aimed at improving imaging appropriateness.<br /><br />Dr. Thorworth highlighted the evolution of radiology's role in value-based healthcare, emphasizing accountability towards patients and providers. He outlined the potential of CDS systems, like the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, to improve patient care by ensuring imaging tests are necessary and beneficial.<br /><br />Dr. Gaskin presented a case study on using quality metrics to expedite prior authorizations, using clinical decision support to relieve the burdens of prior authorization for advanced imaging tests. At the University of Virginia, this approach improved appointment availability and reduced delays in imaging results.<br /><br />Ben Gold discussed the broader context of electronic prior authorization, highlighting its potential to streamline processes through technological advancements, reducing healthcare costs and administrative burdens.<br /><br />Dr. Ueda provided an introduction to clinical decision support mechanisms and their role in improving imaging appropriateness through evidence-based guidelines, while acknowledging the necessity of ongoing quality projects.<br /><br />Dr. Shepelev shared results from a large-scale analysis that showed how clinical decision support improved imaging appropriateness across various demographics and settings, reducing inappropriate radiation exposure.<br /><br />Dr. Flug emphasized the importance of effective communication in improving radiology request quality and its impact on healthcare outcomes. He advocated for leveraging CDS tools to enhance collaboration with referring physicians, ultimately reducing errors and improving patient-centered care.<br /><br />Overall, the session underscored the critical role of clinical decision support in optimizing radiology practices and improving patient care through effective collaboration and technology integration.

Keywords

radiology requests

clinical care

clinical decision support

CDS systems

imaging appropriateness

value-based healthcare

prior authorization

electronic prior authorization

evidence-based guidelines

patient-centered care