Welcome to the Patient Care Fundamentals in Radiology program. This comprehensive course is designed to equip radiology professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to provide exceptional patient care in a radiology setting. Through a series of six (6) engaging modules, participants will explore crucial topics ranging from Medical Law & Ethics to Infection Control. Each 60-minute module is carefully structured to ensure a well-rounded understanding of patient care practices and their application in radiology. By the end of this program, participants will be better prepared to deliver compassionate, safe, and efficient patient care within the radiology department. This program has been approved by the ASRT for 7 category (A) CE credits.

Module 1-2: Medical Law & Ethics- I & II (60 minutes) Objectives:

• Explain the legal responsibilities and liabilities of radiology professionals in relation to patient care, including negligence and malpractice.
• Analyze the impact of patient autonomy, cultural diversity, and socioeconomic factors on informed consent and decision-making.
• Discuss the legal implications of patient confidentiality breaches and develop strategies to safeguard sensitive patient information.
• Debate the ethical considerations surrounding resource allocation in radiology, such as patient prioritization and access to imaging services.
• Recognize the role of advance directives and end-of-life decisions within the context of radiology care, ensuring patient wishes are respected.
• Examine legal and ethical dilemmas posed by emerging technologies in radiology, such as AI-driven diagnostics and telemedicine consultations.
• Formulate a comprehensive code of ethics for radiology professionals, encompassing principles of integrity, honesty, and patient-centered care.

Module 3: Patient Education (60 minutes) Objectives:

• Construct patient-centered educational materials that address common radiology procedures, potential risks, and post-examination expectations.
• Utilize effective communication techniques, including active listening and empathetic responses, to establish rapport and gain patient trust.
• Differentiate between various learning styles and adapt patient education strategies accordingly, maximizing comprehension and retention.
• Role-play scenarios to demonstrate clear and concise communication of complex radiological concepts to patients with varying health literacy levels.
• Evaluate the impact of health literacy on patient understanding and compliance, and design interventions to enhance patient education outcomes.
• Develop multimedia resources, such as videos or interactive apps, to enhance patient engagement and understanding of radiology processes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate patient education seamlessly into the radiology workflow, ensuring consistent and accurate information delivery.

Module 4: Patient Transfer & Movement (60 minutes) Objectives:

• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing assistive devices, ergonomic principles, and proper body mechanics to facilitate safe patient transfers.
• Design personalized patient transfer plans based on individual physical and cognitive needs, promoting patient comfort and minimizing injury risk.
• Assess the potential impact of patient immobility on musculoskeletal health and implement preventive measures to mitigate associated risks.
• Collaborate with physical therapists and mobility specialists to develop tailored exercise and mobility programs for patients undergoing radiological procedures.
• Participate in simulated scenarios that require effective teamwork and communication during complex patient transfers, including those with mobility challenges.
• Evaluate the role of technology, such as mechanical lifts or transfer aids, in optimizing patient transfer safety and provider well-being.
• Establish protocols for patient transfer documentation, including assessment of patient condition before and after procedures, to ensure comprehensive care continuity.

Module 5: Medical Emergencies (60 minutes) Objectives:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of potential medical emergencies within a radiology setting, such as allergic reactions or cardiac events.
• Perform rapid and accurate assessments of patients' conditions during emergencies, determining the appropriate level of intervention and escalation.
• Collaborate effectively with emergency response teams, both internal and external to the radiology department, to ensure timely and coordinated care.
• Develop proficiency in using emergency equipment specific to radiology, such as lead aprons or radiation shields, while maintaining patient safety.
• Apply principles of psychological first aid to provide emotional support and alleviate anxiety in patients and their families during medical emergencies.
• Participate in immersive emergency simulation exercises, practicing crisis communication, delegation, and decision-making under pressure.
• Establish a comprehensive medical emergency response plan for the radiology department, outlining roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for all staff members.

Module 6: Infection Control (60 minutes) Objectives:

• Implement a systematic infection risk assessment process for radiology spaces, identifying potential transmission sources and vulnerabilities.
• Develop and enforce protocols for hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during radiological procedures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization methods for radiology equipment, surfaces, and patient care areas, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Design strategies for effective waste management and disposal of hazardous materials generated during radiology procedures, minimizing environmental impact.
• Analyze the role of ventilation systems and air quality in infection prevention within radiology spaces, and implement measures to optimize indoor air quality.
• Collaborate with infection control teams to develop response plans for potential outbreaks within the radiology department, incorporating isolation measures and patient cohorting.
• Establish ongoing monitoring and audit processes to assess the adherence to infection control practices, and initiate continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient and staff safety.

This program has been approved by the ARRT for CQR credits in the following categories (see below).

BD - 2016 Patient Care

Patient Bone Health, Care, and Radiation Principles

2.00 CQR

BD - 2022 Patient Care

Patient Bone Health, Care, and Radiation Principles

2.00 CQR

BS - 2016 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

1.00 CQR

BS - 2021 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

1.00 CQR

CI - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

3.50 CQR

CI - 2023 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

3.50 CQR

CT - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

1.00 CQR

CT - 2022 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

4.75 CQR

MAM - 2016 Patient Care

Education and Assessment

1.00 CQR

MAM - 2020 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

1.00 CQR

MRI - 2016 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

MRI - 2020 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

NMT - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

NMT - 2022 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

PTH - 2019 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Medical Record Management

1.00 CQR

RA - 2018 Patient Care

Patient Management

6.00 CQR

RA - 2023 Patient Care

Patient Management

6.00 CQR

RAD - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

RAD - 2022 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

SON - 2019 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

SON - 2024 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

THR - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions

7.00 CQR

THR - 2022 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

VI - 2017 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

3.50 CQR

VI - 2023 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

3.50 CQR

VS - 2021 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR

VS - 2024 Patient Care

Patient Interactions and Management

7.00 CQR