Flight data recorder for interventional radiology

To test process improvement strategies, a recording system in a new pediatric interventional radiology suite was installed modeled after the flight data recorders found in modern aviation. Using the resulting data from these recordings, a variety of quality and safety improvement projects were planned including improving timeout performance and optimizing radiation use. There were several challenges, including balancing the need to protect patients during efforts to improve teamwork. However, the flight data recorder drove home the notion that interventional radiology is a team sport and that improvements can be measured by keeping score.