Best in practice: a model for improved radiologist-technologist collaboration and image optimization.

摘要

The past several years have seen rapid innovation in imaging techniques, with both hardware and software changes. These changes have occurred in all modalities, including the development of multichannel CT scanners with low-radiation dose scanning protocols and reconstruction algorithms, ultrasound elastography, parallel transmit and receive MR coils, and the widespread implementation of 3-T field strengths. These imaging changes have led to increasing complexity in the performance of examinations, requiring extensive protocol optimization. At the same time, the development of digital, filmless technology has led to the formation of large, geographically divided departments whose members have limited interactions. The geographic dispersion of imaging departments has led some to advocate for a more independent, decision-making role for technologists [1,2]. However, it has been our experience that the physical separation of technologists and radiologists has led to a breakdown in the traditional team approach between them. This has been particularly true in the areas of protocol development and image optimization. In an attempt to counteract these developments, New York University Langone Medical Center's (NYULMC) Department of Radiology implemented a program called Best in Practice (BIP) in our MRI department in the summer of 2009. In this column, we describe the operational details and initial results of this program at NYULMC.