Evie Nguyen , Christopher A. Dodoo MS , Imon Banerjee PhD , Fatima Al-Khafaji MBChB , Jacob A. Varner , Iridian Jaramillo MS , Meghana Nadella MS , Tyler M. Kuo , Zoe Deahl , Dyan G. DeYoung , Nelly Tan MD
{"title":"Effects of patient survey feedback on improving patient experience with outpatient magnetic resonance imaging","authors":"Evie Nguyen , Christopher A. Dodoo MS , Imon Banerjee PhD , Fatima Al-Khafaji MBChB , Jacob A. Varner , Iridian Jaramillo MS , Meghana Nadella MS , Tyler M. Kuo , Zoe Deahl , Dyan G. DeYoung , Nelly Tan MD","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.10.035","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.10.035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We examined the feasibility of collecting timely patient feedback after outpatient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the effect of radiology staff responses or actions on patient experience scores.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study included 6043 patients who completed a feedback survey via email after undergoing outpatient MRI at a tertiary care medical center between April 2021 and September 2022. The survey consisted of the question “How was your radiology visit?” with a 5-point emoji-Likert scale, an open-text feedback box, and an option to request a response. The primary outcome measure analyzed was the “top box” score (ie, the percentage of 5/5 scores) reflecting overall patient satisfaction. For comparison, Press Ganey quarterly top box scores from a separate group of patients who underwent outpatient MRI concurrent with the study period were also analyzed. Patient-reported feedback was categorized by using natural language processing and analyzed along with radiology staff responses and actions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The top box score for “How was your radiology visit?” increased from 81.1% during the first month of the study to 86.1% during the last month. Similarly, the comparative Press Ganey top box scores for questions related to “radiology staff concern for comfort” and “courtesy of radiology technologist” increased from the first quarter to the last quarter of the study. Patients reported service excellence in 59.2% of surveys (<em>n</em>=3576), long wait time in 6.3% (<em>n</em>=383), and poor communication in 6.1% (<em>n</em>=369). Some praise from patients was shared with staff members who interacted with the patients. Of all survey responses, 5.5% required radiology staff responses or actions, such as sharing feedback with supervisors, providing direct feedback to staff, and making telephone calls to patients. From the first half to the second half of the study, the median (IQR) wait time decreased from 46 (32–66) minutes to 45 (31–64) minutes (<em>P</em>=.02), and the percentage of patients who reported long wait time decreased from 7.4% to 5.4% (<em>P</em>=.002).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study highlights the feasibility of obtaining timely patient feedback after outpatient MRI and using it to improve patient experience. These results may contribute to the development of more patient-centered care in the field of radiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 369-376"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W. Tania Rahman MD, Rebecca Oudsema MD, Kimbery Garver MD, N. Reed Dunnick MD, Annette Joe MD
{"title":"Improving radiologist productivity in screening mammogram interpretation","authors":"W. Tania Rahman MD, Rebecca Oudsema MD, Kimbery Garver MD, N. Reed Dunnick MD, Annette Joe MD","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>At our institution, a backlog of unread screening mammograms accumulated with a peak turnaround time of 198 h (8.25 days). Three major root causes of workflow inefficiencies were identified: radiologist interruptions, paper-based workflow, and a cumbersome report dictation workflow. A batched, digitized workflow with reporting assistance called “Uninterrupted with Assistant” was implemented. Following the intervention, the mean report turnaround time (TAT) was significantly decreased by 38.8 % (51.0 ± 16.0 vs 83.3 ± 46.6 h, <em>p =</em> 0.014) and the institutional goal for TAT (72 h) was met more often (93.3 %, 14/15 weeks vs 35.3 %, 6/17 weeks). Radiologist distraction in the new assignment was significantly lower (2.0 ± 1.4 SD) compared to the traditional “Interrupted” setting (5.6 ± 2.8 SD, <em>t =</em> -4.956, <em>p <</em> 0.01). Radiologist fatigue in the new assignment (2.6 ± 1.6 SD) was also significantly lower compared to the “Interrupted” setting (4.8 ± 2.2 SD, <em>t =</em> -5.159, <em>p <</em> 0.01). The average daily volume of screening mammograms interpreted in the “Uninterrupted with Assistant” assignment (50.3 ± 13.9 SD) was greater than in the “Interrupted” setting (21.0 ± 11.3). These interventions offer strategies to improve productivity and address practical issues of burnout and workforce retention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 289-295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cynthia De la Garza-Ramos , Steven Bussone , LaRissa L. Adams , Maeghan D. Barber , Gregory T. Frey , Andrew R. Lewis , Ricardo Paz-Fumagalli , Beau B. Toskich
{"title":"Expediting care for hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm by streamlining radiation segmentectomy: A quality improvement project","authors":"Cynthia De la Garza-Ramos , Steven Bussone , LaRissa L. Adams , Maeghan D. Barber , Gregory T. Frey , Andrew R. Lewis , Ricardo Paz-Fumagalli , Beau B. Toskich","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Radiation segmentectomy (RS) for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is routinely performed in two sessions. A process improvement analysis at a single destination medical center demonstrated a prolonged RS time to treatment in early-stage HCC. In response, a multidisciplinary quality improvement project to optimize RS treatment expediency was initiated. The selected strategy was the introduction of single-session RS without Technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin (MAA) for patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, based on multi-institutional evidence supporting the safety of eliminating MAA due to a low lung shunt fraction in this population. This patient-centered quality initiative aimed to reduce time from consult to treatment, with total fluoroscopy peak skin dose serving as a measurable safety metric. Participants (n=9) were prospectively screened from 09/2022-10/2023. To measure the effect of the intervention, a matched control cohort (n=24) of patients treated with RS in 2021 was gathered retrospectively. Median time from consult to treatment was 14 days (IQR: 12, 15) in the intervention cohort vs 47 days (IQR: 31, 64) in the control cohort (<em>P</em><0.001). Estimated lung dose was similar between the intervention and control cohorts (median 2.7 and 2.2 Gy; <em>P</em>=0.32). Total fluoroscopy peak skin dose was 1.4 Gy (IQR: 0.9, 1.6) in the intervention and 2.1 Gy (IQR: 1.3, 3.1) in the control cohort (<em>P</em>=0.06). These results support that streamlining RS can safely expedite cancer care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 308-312"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143426827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N Kadom MD, T Sivathapandi MD, DJ Murcia MD, C Moreno MD, P Balthazar MD
{"title":"Converting case conferences to peer learning: Opportunities and barriers","authors":"N Kadom MD, T Sivathapandi MD, DJ Murcia MD, C Moreno MD, P Balthazar MD","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>We hypothesized that faculty from a radiology division with weekly case conferences would be interested in adopting a peer learning meeting to grow the practice of peer learning in our department.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The Abdominal Division volunteered to pilot peer learning once a month in lieu of the weekly case conferences. A peer learning champion from the division took leadership for this project. An abdominal division faculty survey was completed to gauge interest in peer learning.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The survey had an 81 % response rate: Faculty felt comfortable collecting cases in a database (47 %) and preferred receiving case feedback by chat or email; faculty favored a variety of case types for inclusion in peer learning; faculty slightly preferred having a dedicated peer learning conference leader (35 %) and indicated the submission target for the division faculty should be 1 case per month per faculty (88 %). All faculty indicated the importance of a no-blame culture and most favored anonymous case presentations (70 %). Despite the positive attitudes towards peer learning among the division faculty, the technical piece of the implementation represented a major barrier due to lack of integration into the radiologist workflow and inability to commit time to a faculty member's role as peer learning conference leader.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our faculty members’ concerns regarding peer learning integration into the daily and monthly divisional workflow needed to be addressed before attempting to implement peer learning. In the context of high clinical imaging volumes, additional efforts, such as accessing case submission tools and time needed to prepare conferences, outweighed the overall perceived value of peer learning in our setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 313-317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erin Gomez MD, Lilly Kauffman BA, Elliot K. Fishman MD, FACR, Sara Raminpour BS
{"title":"Evaluation of an image-rich quiz-based iOS app as a study resource for the ABR Core exam","authors":"Erin Gomez MD, Lilly Kauffman BA, Elliot K. Fishman MD, FACR, Sara Raminpour BS","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The American Board of Radiology Core exam requires that trainees demonstrate knowledge of critical concepts across 12 domains spanning a range of imaging modalities and anatomic regions. Mobile apps have become popular components of medical and radiology education since the inception of smartphones. Numerous medical educational apps are accessible via smartphone devices and tablets, regardless of operating system, for medical training and learning purposes. For over two decades, CTisus has served as an informational and educational radiology website containing image-rich materials and resources dedicated to the use of body CT. We conducted a study to evaluate the perceived utility of the CTisus iQuiz app as a study resource for the American Board of Radiology Core exam. The overall rating of the app was above average with 50 % of respondents characterizing the app as “Good” and 29 % evaluating the app as “Excellent.” Further, 85 % of survey respondents found the app easy to understand and use, with related pearls deemed helpful by 75 % of participants, the video discussions found to be clear and beneficial by 79 %. Mobile apps are a valuable tool for the current generation of medical trainees, with quizzes shown to be an effective method to evaluate and enhance knowledge. The CTisus iQuiz app may benefit radiology residents studying for the ABR Core exam by providing access to image-rich, multiple choice-based self-assessments with in-depth explanations and feedback in an accessible interface, allowing for asynchronous learning and repeated practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 296-307"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stacy E. Smith , Dania Daye , Carmen Alvarez , Kirti A. Magudia , Catherine H. Phillips , Sandra Rincon , Miriam A. Bredella , Teresa Victoria
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Original Article: The history of Women in Radiology (WIR) programs at two academic institutions: How we did it and how we merged best practices” [Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology 54 (2025) 35-39]","authors":"Stacy E. Smith , Dania Daye , Carmen Alvarez , Kirti A. Magudia , Catherine H. Phillips , Sandra Rincon , Miriam A. Bredella , Teresa Victoria","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.013","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 2","pages":"Page 286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142901134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How I Do It: Leveraging AutoHotkey and programmable peripheral devices for high efficiency diagnostic radiology","authors":"Ryan P. Joyce MD","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.012","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper discusses the use of AutoHotkey (AHK) and programmable peripheral computing devices to enhance the workflow of diagnostic radiologists. Multiple features designed and coded by an emergency teleradiologist to optimize efficiency and complete redundant tasks with ease are presented. The full AutoHotkey script, which currently supports Visage PACS, PowerScribe 360, and Epic EHR, is available in the article appendix. Recommended peripheral devices and schematics for easy integration with the AutoHotkey script are provided. Downloadable peripheral device profiles for the recommended devices are available in the appendix. The combination of task automation, achieved with AutoHotkey, and the thoughtful configuration of programmable peripheral devices, providing easy access to task automations, can lead to improved ergonomics, increased efficiency, productivity, and job satisfaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 318-331"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142873662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jabi E. Shriki MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician) , Ted Selker PhD (Research Professor) , Kristina Crothers MD (Professor Chief) , Mark Deffebach MD (Professor Chief) , Safia Cheeney MD (Assistant Professor Chief) , Jeffrey Edelman MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician) , Anupama Brixey MD (Assistant Professor Staff Physician) , Mark Tubay MD (Assistant Professor Staff Physician) , Laura Spece MD , Sirish Kishore MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician)
{"title":"Spectrum of errors in nodule detection and characterization using machine learning: A pictorial essay","authors":"Jabi E. Shriki MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician) , Ted Selker PhD (Research Professor) , Kristina Crothers MD (Professor Chief) , Mark Deffebach MD (Professor Chief) , Safia Cheeney MD (Assistant Professor Chief) , Jeffrey Edelman MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician) , Anupama Brixey MD (Assistant Professor Staff Physician) , Mark Tubay MD (Assistant Professor Staff Physician) , Laura Spece MD , Sirish Kishore MD (Associate Professor Staff Physician)","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.10.039","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.10.039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In academic and research settings, computer-aided nodule detection software has been shown to increase accuracy, efficiency, and throughput. However, radiologists need to be familiar with the spectrum of errors that can occur when these algorithms are employed in routine clinical settings. We review the spectrum of errors that may result from computer-aided nodule detection. In our clinical practice, we have seen errors in nodule detection, nodule localization, and nodule characterization. Each of these categories are demonstrated with illustrative cases. Through these illustrative cases, readers can be more familiar with nuances and pitfalls generated by computer-aided detection software. Although computer-aided nodule detection software is rapidly advancing, radiologists still need to thoroughly review images with mindfulness of some of the errors that can be generated by AI platforms for nodule detection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 2","pages":"Pages 273-280"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Davin J. Evanson , Lana Elcic , Jennifer W. Uyeda , Maria Zulfiqar
{"title":"Imaging of gallstones and complications","authors":"Davin J. Evanson , Lana Elcic , Jennifer W. Uyeda , Maria Zulfiqar","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gallbladder pathologies caused by gallstones are commonly encountered in clinical practice, making accurate diagnosis critical for effective patient management. Radiologists play a key role in differentiating these conditions through imaging interpretation, ensuring that appropriate treatment is initiated. The imaging features of gallstone associated diseases are classified into various categories, such as inflammatory conditions, benign lesions, malignant tumors, and associated complications. A comprehensive understanding of these categories and their radiologic manifestations is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of gallbladder pathology. By integrating clinical knowledge with radiologic findings, clinicians and radiologists will be equipped with practical tools to identify and distinguish between different gallstone causing conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 392-403"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142831495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriel M Virador MD , Rahul B Singh MBBS , Vivek Gupta MD , Dinesh Rao MD , Josephine F Huang MD , Leslie V Simon DO , Sukhwinder J S Sandhu MD
{"title":"A stroke imaging protocol in patients with a history of contrast-induced anaphylaxis","authors":"Gabriel M Virador MD , Rahul B Singh MBBS , Vivek Gupta MD , Dinesh Rao MD , Josephine F Huang MD , Leslie V Simon DO , Sukhwinder J S Sandhu MD","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The need for emergent, contrast-enhanced neuroimaging in stroke patients with a history of severe reaction to iodinated contrast represents a unique dilemma in emergency departments. There is currently a lack of evidence-based management protocols for these cases. We describe a protocol established at our institution, based off American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines and institutional experience, to guide decision-making in these scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51617,"journal":{"name":"Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology","volume":"54 2","pages":"Pages 143-146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}