Improving communication between RNs, radiologists boosts productivity

Improving communication between registered nurses (RNs) and radiology teams could lead to better patient satisfaction, suggest results published February 2 in the Journal of Radiology Nursing. 

A group led by Cordelle Luces, PhD, from Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, found that structured communication strategies between hospital unit nursing and radiology teams can reduce time from order placement to scan completion, as well as lower cancellation rates. 

“The study highlights the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving health-care delivery and patient-centered care,” Luces and colleagues wrote. 

Miscommunication between hospital unit RNs and radiology departments can result in delayed care and cancellations. The researchers noted that in their institute, between seven and 10 cases are canceled each week. To address this issue, they implemented interventions targeting gaps in communication between staff. 

The Luces team made the following changes: standardized communication tools used by hospital unit RNs and the radiology department, scheduled regular interdisciplinary meetings, and implemented real-time updates. It also conducted surveys for both inpatient RNs and the radiology team. 

Implementing these strategies led to improvements in efficiency and care, including reduced cancellations per week, rescheduling times, waiting times for imaging studies, and error rates. 

Survey results showed that over 90% of staff reported higher satisfaction with communication after the changes were made. The authors suggested this could translate to reduced misunderstandings and improved teamwork.

Patient satisfaction with the timeliness of care increased by 25% after the communication changes. Patients viewed the reduced waiting time and improved coordination positively, the researchers wrote.

“The hospital experienced an overall increase in productivity because of the changes, which reduced time spent on managing cancellations and rescheduling, leading to better resource allocation and cost savings in terms of overtime and rescheduling,” they added.

Luces and colleagues wrote that the implementation of these strategies was a “resounding success,” noting that future analysis will explore how these improvements can be maintained and sustained, as well as the effect of continued monitoring of staff and patient feedback.

Read the full study here.