Patient-centered Radiology: Overview and Opportunities in Cardiothoracic Imaging

Radiology is unique compared with most other medical specialties in that care can sometimes be delivered without speaking to or touching the patient. Although radiologists have increasingly become involved in patient safety, quality improvement, informatics, and advocacy, they must still work harder than other medical specialties to be considered "patient-facing." While cardiothoracic radiologists have likely experienced fewer opportunities to directly interface with patients, shared decision-making with patients around lung cancer screening and radiation dose optimization are both excellent examples of patient-centered and family-centered care in cardiothoracic imaging. Many cardiothoracic examinations necessitate medication administration or customized breath-holds not required of other examinations and create an opportunity for discussion between cardiothoracic radiologists and patients. Opportunities to increase the patient-centered focus in radiology exist at every interface between the radiology practice and the patient. Implementing the principles of patient-centered and family-centered care in a radiology department or practice requires the participation and engagement of all stakeholders, including patients.