Radiologists Are Actually Well Positioned to Innovate in Patient Experience

• Published in: Current problems in diagnostic radiology 2018-07, Vol.47 (4), p.206-208
• Main Authors: Gottumukkala, Ravi V., Le, Thang Q., Duszak, Richard, Prabhakar, Anand M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0363-0188; 1535-6302
• DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2017.09.010

Patient experience is becoming increasingly prioritized, most notably as a component of recently passed health care legislation that aims to link physician reimbursement to quality of care and cost-effectiveness. For several reasons, radiologists are better positioned to seize opportunities to enhance patient experience than is readily apparent. We propose that discrete components along the imaging value chain can be evaluated specifically for their effect on patient experience and improved to this end. We also emphasize that the field of radiology has traditionally been the earliest adopter and a serial innovator in health information technology, and we suggest possible ways to leverage the newest technological tools to improve patient experience. Finally, we discuss how carefully vetted opportunities for direct patient interaction might expand the reach of diagnostic radiologists as members of integrated health systems. We believe that emerging patient experience metrics present unconventional opportunities for radiologists to make imaging even more meaningful for the many patients who entrust us with their care. •Patient experience metrics addressed in recent health care legislation, when implemented, may apply to at least a subset of diagnostic radiologists.•Given the scope of imaging services, diagnostic radiologists are better positioned to seize opportunities to innovate in patient experience than is readily apparent.•Identifying which components of the imaging value chain represent the most potent modifiers of patient experience could facilitate targeted improvement efforts.•The field of radiology has traditionally been an innovator in health IT and should continue capitalizing on its collective technical vision, particularly since incorporation of health IT tools into patient care is becoming increasingly prioritized in health care legislation.•In addition to facilitating image interpretation, artificial intelligence tools could be leveraged to noninterpretive ends such as workflow optimization and improved patient access to care.•Carefully vetted opportunities for direct patient engagement would likely expand the reach of diagnostic radiologists as members of integrated health systems.