Pilot Study of a Patient-Centered Radiology Process Model

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Patient Experience Measurement
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Radiology Process Model (RPM) conceptual framework and survey items were previously established.
• This study details the initial field application and psychometric evaluation of the RPM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot the Radiology Process Model (RPM) survey in an outpatient interventional radiology setting.
• To conduct an initial psychometric analysis of the RPM survey data.

Main Methods:

• A pilot RPM survey with 24 items was administered to 100 patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures.
• Psychometric analysis included assessment of missing data, item clarity, factor analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and construct validity via correlation with a visual analog scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• The RPM summated scale strongly correlated with the VAS (r=0.7), indicating good construct validity.
• Factor analysis identified four key patient experience domains: facility/staff interactions, time sensitivity, pain, and anxiety.
• The RPM demonstrated high internal consistency (alpha=0.86 overall, 0.7-0.9 by factor).

Conclusions:

• The pilot application provides initial evidence for the psychometric validity and internal consistency reliability of the RPM.
• Minor revisions to the survey items are anticipated prior to wider implementation.