Improving patient-centered care and efficiency in the fetal MRI Service: A quality improvement initiative

Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a vital tool for characterizing abnormalities detected on prenatal ultrasound, but receiving results can be emotionally challenging for patients. Patients typically receive imaging results from the ordering provider, however, in our practice radiologists traditionally conducted immediate face-to-face image review sessions with patients. The aim of this project was to improve patient-centered delivery of image results while optimizing the efficiency of the fetal MRI service workflow by removing direct radiologist review of images and results with patients. After the intervention was implemented, there was a significant reduction in average time radiologists spent per patient exam by 32 % and average report turnaround time by 55 %. Patient surveys indicated that most patients preferred receiving results from their maternal-fetal medicine specialist or obstetrician rather than the radiologist. Eliminating radiologist-patient image review sessions in the fetal MRI service improved efficiency while prioritizing patient-centered care.