Quality, Patient Safety and Performance Improvement Using Informatics Tools to Measure, Display and Monitor Performance (2021)-R3-CIN24-2021

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a session led by Christine Burke, a radiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, emphasis is placed on improving radiologists' performance through quality and patient safety metrics, shifting focus from volume-based to quality-driven healthcare. At Brigham, a program named Radiology Performance Outcome Measures (RCOMs) was introduced. This pay-for-performance initiative incentivizes radiologists based on five quality metrics such as report generation timeliness and patient follow-up recommendations, monitored via a transparent dashboard. A case study demonstrated significant timeliness improvement after financial incentives were introduced. <br /><br />Christine also discusses challenges in simplifying the radiology ordering process by reducing the complexity of choices using lessons from the "choice paralysis" phenomenon. Simplifying diagnostic codes has been a priority, as unnecessary options burden both healthcare providers and IT systems. Simplified processes have shown improved efficiency and patient care outcomes.<br /><br />Efforts also focus on ensuring follow-up imaging recommendations are effectively communicated and implemented, using informatics tools like AHRQ at Brigham to track and prompt necessary follow-up imaging. These initiatives highlight the critical role of technology in improving healthcare processes and patient safety.

Keywords

radiology

quality metrics

patient safety

performance improvement

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Radiology Performance Outcome Measures

choice paralysis

informatics tools

healthcare efficiency