Evidence-Based Radiologic Technology - Essay Example

?Evidence-Based Radiologic Technology: A Closer Look Introduction Quality care and service are at topmost priority in every even in diagnostic department of Grenada General Hospital. Hence, it is important to note the inclusion of associated procedures prior to implementation of advanced actions. Clinical effectiveness, then, is needed, where quality development is initiated and sustained (NHS Scotland, 2007b). In application, radiologic technology embodies principles of clinical effectiveness. As this area expands and integrates fast-paced theories, making skills more difficult to attain, construction of “evidence-based health” models support such concepts and anchor them according to standardized health services (Black et al., 2001, p. 566). In parallel, Graham (2006) illustrated the concept of clinical effectiveness--in the presence of “the right persons, doing the right thing, the right way in the right place, at the right time with the right result.” In view, the paper examines this definition in the context of clinical practice by radiological technologists--with implications and potential innovations in integrated radiologic science. Occupational Description Prior to identifying the right personnel in radiologic technology, reviews on general description and evolution must first be clarified. Radiologic technology is a branch in allied health, where its application in clinical setting primarily involves diagnostic activities for pathological conditions. As technological advances update the categories of diagnostic equipments, it also expanded to include more autonomous responsibilities. The coverage, thereby, extends from mere imaging examination in X-rays to more sophisticated forms, such as utilization of ionizing radiation for treatment purposes (Allied health services, 1989). As scope of functions widen, tasks involved also lengthened. Basically, radiologic technologists are in-charge in facilitating the performance of radiologic examinations. As allied professionals, they require strict conformation of physician’s written order, while under the supervision of “licensed independent practitioner(s)” (Campeau & Fleitz, 2009). Additionally, the types of radiologic test to be utilized are also indicated--exhibiting the collaborative association of functions between allied and medical professionals in clinical settings (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2010). Imperatively, radiologic technologists assume professional persona, as they follow regulatory protocols indicated before and during radiologic examinations. In preparatory stage, technicians ensure that incriminating objects or articles worn by clients are judiciously removed--to avoid chemical disruptions and undue physical damage to clients. Moreover, they attend in completely explaining the procedure to be undertaken, allying possibilities of fear and avoiding emotional interference during actual procedure (Stanfield & Hui, 2002). Subsequently, as protective gears are in place and equipments are positioned, the diagnostics may proceed as planned. With this accomplished, the duties of radiologic technologists do not end there, for they have to properly document the whole activity, and ensure client status for untoward reactions. Judiciously, patient safety is also guaranteed through constant inspection of diagnostic equipments, as well as replacement of defective ones (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2010). Radiologic technologists, in accurate manner, are accounted in following the dictates of their delegated functions--as indicated in doing the right thing with clinical effectiveness. Qualification Revisited Educationally distinct from radiologists, radiologic technologists work side-by-side with other clinical professionals in rendering a variety of health services to clients. Campeau and Fleitz (2009, p. 7) clarified the qualifications of radiologic technologists, indicating that they belong to the group who “graduated from a nationally accredited education program in the radiologic sciences and...hold a full state license.” It is important to distinguish that interested parties need to have high school diploma, with basic educational background in fields associated with nuclear science. In further scrutiny, qualification as radiologic technologist can be acquired in various methods, ranging from associate to baccalaureate degree, or even a practical certificate program offered by several clinical institutions (Sherry, 2006). Either way, theoretical and clinical trainings are highly required prior to competently work as radiologic technology. Deviating from the objective method of identifying the right persons for the job, clinical experience teaches most technicians the value of proper communication and good relation in the performance of quality service. As the sector in radiology is generally in constant contact with other departments, Eastman, Wald, and Crossin (2006) confirm the proposition that adequate skill in peer interaction must be possessed for a harmonious working relationship. Even as assistants to radiologists, radiologic technologists must be adept not only in the technical aspect of the occupation, but also in their interaction in a variety of institutional departments. In more ways, they are regularly tasked to convey a number of important messages from radiologists to other health personnel, as well as gain full cooperation of clients during actual diagnostic examination (Ferguson Publishing, 2006). Indeed, the right person for the job must not only have the knowledge and general expertise, they must generate the psychological capability to deal with daily stress and still remain focused and compassionate in work. Quality Service Assurance To ensure that radiologic activities are within regulatory boundaries, several organizations monitor such feats by way of clinical governance. As indicated by Starey (2001), clinical governance encompasses several fields, in the intent of enhancing parameters on clinical practice: “education, clinical audit, clinical effectiveness...research.” The ultimate target, then, is to cover all aspects in the profession. As the job description and responsibilities of radiologic technologist have been identified and expounded, one can clearly delineate which ones are not in line with these descriptions. Clearly, the assurance of quality service lies on how technicians manage their functions according to standard professional and ethical rules. Significantly, the clients are at greatest risk if mismanagement in the area occurs, as “errors and accidents can cause discomfort, cost money, jobs and...lives” (NHS Scotland, 2007a). To avoid such miscalculations, work practices must be constantly honed. This means that after the acquisition of a license, radiologic technologists have the discretion to continue in enhancing their technical background--where the state mandatory dictates that they attend two-day program for continuing education every two years (Ferguson Publishing, 2006). In the least, radiologic technologist are constantly trained on the proper way in accomplishing their tasks, bearing in mind the appropriate time in carrying them out--in order to prepare clients before and during the procedure and calculate probable negative outcomes in such events. All of these must be accomplished in a setting indicated by state and institutional policies: to avoid confusion and unnecessary delays in radiologic activities. In the absence of these predictors, technicians can inevitably face ethical and legal ramifications of committed grievances, possibly ruining professional careers on the process. Exercise of Evidenced-Based System In the custom of attaining clinical effectiveness for radiologic technologists, several literature places emphasis on the significance of studies with strong substantive support. As discussed earlier, clinical effectiveness requires an evidence-based system for a successful service in health settings. In the radiology department, contemporary practices dictate the integration of an evidence-based radiology science, serving as effective tool in converting scientifically-solid knowledge into clinical experience (Medina & Blackmore, 2007). Despite the notion that radiologic technologists are mere assistants to radiologist, and that their functions are quite menial to the latter, the former groups should still apply critical principles and understanding in their occupation, being part of clinical health team. Critical in evidence-based studies is the construct of data resources with more than adequate strength in scientific propositions (Belsey, 2009). With this being the case, valid proofs can be converted into reliable radiologic practices. In the diagnostic area, technicians can analytically apply current studies in the performance of their duties--grounded on scientific proposition that comprehension and evaluation of clinical functions are well-accounted for in evidence-based medicine (Black et al., 2001). In illustration, every action in the diagnostic field can be properly justified using research review and valid study findings. In significant episodes, well-grounded reviews and audit can assist in ironing out difficulties during the administration of diagnostic examination, wherein conflicting beliefs can be justified through scientific sources, and sorted out based prioritized research principles--as in the case of inappropriate physical and psychological preparation prior to diagnostic tests (Medina & Blackmore, 2007). Cursorily, radiologic technologists may lack the extensive training compared to other medical professionals, but their clinical function directs that they promote evidenced-based attitude and practice--a strategy to avoid harming their clients in any way. Conclusion All in all, the evidence-based resources and application in radiologic practice guarantee that both health providers and recipients can accurately and efficiently perform well-supported services in clinical institutions. Despite the common notion that radiologic technologists are inferior in function and rank against medical radiologists, their presence can still influence and affect the status of clients seeking care in radiologic department. As evidence-based knowledge and studies serve as the new innovation adapted in several health settings, the inclusion of several parameters in clinical effectiveness also provides assurance on patient safety, including the guidelines prior to acquiring a radiologic state license and instigation of a continuing education to update technicians on their respective functions. Graham’s definition on clinical effectiveness can indeed be applied on radiologic technologists, illustrating who and how individuals can be qualified, their broad and specific functions in work settings, and the appropriate timing and method in accomplishing such responsibilities on clinical institutions--rendering them prepared for whatever events and untoward scenarios that may come their way as radiologic technologists in Grenada General Hospital. References Allied health services, 1989. Avoiding crises. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Belsey, J, 2009. What is evidence-based medicine? 2nd Ed. Evidence Based Medicine. USA: Sanofi-Aventis. Black, W.C., Jadad, A.R., Jarvik, J.G., Kazerooni, E.A., Langlota, C.P., McEneaney, P.M., et al., 2001. Evidence-based radiology: A new approach to the practice of radiology. Evidence-based Radiology, 220 (3), pp.566-575. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2010. Occupational outlook handbook. [Online] Available at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm [Accessed 20 January 2011]. Campeau, F. & Fleitz, J, 2009. Limited Radiography. 3rd Ed. United States of America: DELMAR Cengage Learning. Eastman, G.W., Wald, C., & Crossin, J., 2006. Getting started in clinical radiology: From image to diagnosis. New York, NY: Thieme. Ferguson Publishing, 2006. Exploring tech careers. 4th Ed. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing. Graham, 2006. Medina, L.S. & Blackmore, C.C., 2007. Evidence-based radiology: Review and dissemination. Radiology, 244 (2), pp.231-236. NHS Scotland, 2007a. Managing Risk. [Online] Available: http://www.clinicalgovernance.scot.nhs.uk/section3/introduction.asp [Accessed 20 January 2011]. NHS Scotland, 2007b. What is clinical effectiveness? [Online] Available: http://www.clinicalgovernance.scot.nhs.uk/section2/clinicaleffectiveness.asp [Accessed 20 January 2011]. Sherry, C.J., 2006. Opportunities in medical imaging. United States of America: McGraw-Hill Professional. Stanfield, P. & Hui, Y.H., 2002. Introduction to the health professionals. 4th Ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Barlett Publishers. Starey, N., 2001. What is clinical governance? Evidence Based Medicine, 1 (12), pp.1-8. Read More