Improving and Maintaining Radiologic Technologist Skill Using a Medical Director Partnership and Technologist Coaching Model.

Abstract

Consistent excellence in radiologic technologist performance, including ensuring high technical image quality, patient safety and comfort, and efficient workflow, largely depends on individual technologist skill. However, sustained growth in the size and complexity of health care organizations has increased the difficulty in developing and maintaining technologist expertise. In this article, we explore underlying organizational structures that contribute to this problem and propose organizational models to promote continued excellence in technologist skill. We have found that a relatively modest investment in medical directorship combined with a coaching model can bring about a significant level of improvement in skilled clinical performance. We believe that widespread implementation of similar programs could contribute to substantial improvements in quality in radiology and other health care settings.