Radiologic Professionalism in Modern Health Care

Abstract

Modern radiology is at the forefront of technological progress in medicine, a position that often places unique challenges on its professional character. This article uses "Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter," a document published in 2002 and endorsed by several major radiology organizations, as a lens for exploring professional challenges in modern radiology. The three main tenets of the Charter emphasize patient welfare, patient autonomy, and the reduction of disparities in health care distribution. This article reviews the ways in which modern technology and financial structures potentially create stressors on professionalism in radiology, while highlighting the opportunities they provide for radiologists seeking to fulfill the professional goals articulated in the Charter. Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and voice recognition systems have transformed the speed of radiology and enhanced the ability of radiologists to improve patient care but also have brought new tensions to the workplace. Although teleradiology may improve global access to radiologists, it may also promote the commoditization of radiology, which diminishes the professional stature of radiologists. Social media and patient portals provide radiologists with new forums for interacting with the public and patients, potentially promoting patient welfare. However, patient privacy and autonomy are important considerations. Finally, modern financial structures provide radiologists with both entrepreneurial opportunities as well as the temptation for unprofessional conduct. Each of these advances carries the potential for professional growth while testing the professional stature of radiology. By considering the risks and benefits of emerging technologies in the modern radiology world, radiologists can chart an ethical and professional future path.

<p>Difficulties and possibilities in communication between referring clinicians and radiologists: perspective of clinicians</p>

“…Telemedicine communication is then a possibility, but as highlighted in the present study, communication often fails in clinical practice due to difficulties to reach the radiologist and lack of interactivity while discussing the images. Teleradiology has gained increased interest as a complement or substitute for regular radiology service at many hospitals 25. It is considered to reduce costs for radiology staff locally, eg, on-call night service, which can be offered from teleradiology centers working day-time in different time zones.…”

Enhancing patient value efficiently: Medical history interviews create patient satisfaction and contribute to an improved quality of radiologic examinations

“…Possibly, radiology is the medical discipline most affected by technological advances [ 1 ]. Technological improvements in combination with an ever-increasing workload, shortage of radiologists, and necessity of uninterrupted and concentrated work may be the major factors that led to an almost complete separation of patients from their radiology diagnosticians [ 2 , 3 , 21 ].…”

“…Radiology examinations constitute an essential and indispensable part of modern medicine and accordingly cause a considerable fraction of health care costs [ 1 , 2 ]. Hence, the radiological discipline is not only driven by an urge to improve, but also by a constant economic pressure to rationalize the procedures and to further advance technically.…”

Voices emerging from the shadows: Radiologic practitioners’ experiences of challenging conversations

“…The emotional, interpersonal and ethical demands of such challenging conversations may go beyond what some practitioners are prepared to undertake [28]. The professional and market forces that currently propel the expanded scope of radiologic practice may, frankly, be welcomed by some but spurned by others [29,30]. Previous studies in primary care have highlighted how redefining clinicians' scope of practice can be a time when challenges and opportunities are confronted [31].…”