Advanced practice quality improvement project: how to influence physician radiologic imaging ordering behavior

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Increasing pressure on healthcare systems to enhance quality and reduce costs.
• Historical role of radiologists as imaging gatekeepers has diminished.
• Need for radiologists to re-establish their integral role in patient care teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss quality improvement projects for radiologists.
• To help radiologists regain their consultative role.
• To provide a framework for optimizing imaging consultation services.

Main Methods:

• Application of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework.
• Discussion of practice quality improvement projects.
• Exploration of techniques beyond traditional consultation.

Main Results:

• The PDSA framework enables incremental optimization of consultation services.
• Specific projects can help radiologists become valued consultants.
• Strategies can be adapted to various practice environments.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists can proactively improve their practice's consultation service.
• Regaining the gatekeeper role enhances care quality and cost-effectiveness.
• The described methodology serves as a starting point for practice optimization.