Radiography Procedures and Patient Care

• Radiologic technologists must accurately position patients and ensure a quality diagnostic image is produced when performing imaging examinations.
• Accurate procedures require radiography that combines scientific knowledge, technical competence, and patient interaction skills, with the highest regard for all aspects of patient care.
• A radiographer recognizes patient conditions essential for the successful completion of the procedure.
• Adhering to radiation protection guidelines is essential.
• Radiographers maintain accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure technique, applying and maintaining knowledge of radiation protection and safety.

Assisting the Radiologist

• Radiographers independently perform or assist licensed practitioners in radiographic procedures.
• Radiographers prepare, administer, and document medication-related activities according to regulations or institutional policy.

Patient Identification

• Immediately verify the information on the examination request form or match it to the patient's wristband upon arrival.
• Imaging departments often require photographing the patient's name, birth date, facility identification number, and examination date on the images.
• Notify the Radiology Department if a patient is known or thought to be pregnant, according to the Hospital Formulary.
• Before imaging, technologists should ask all female patients of childbearing age if they are or may be pregnant.

Communicating Verbally and Non-Verbally

• Radiological screening programmers were early adopters of direct communication.
• The written radiology report is critical, and constitutes formal documentation of a radiologic study or procedure's results.

Feedback and Rapport

• Patient comments on radiologic imaging experiences were influenced by staff behavior, communication, and wait times; radiologists had a lesser immediate impact.
• Respectful communication and feeling heard helps patients inquire about their comfort levels.
• Positive experiences make patients more likely to return for further screening.

Patient Education

• Healthcare professionals should address information gaps to meet patient preferences.
• Insufficient information can increase patient anxiety, negatively impacting their experience.
• Informed patients are more engaged and play a meaningful role in their health.

Cultural Sensitivity

• "Cultural competency” raises healthcare provider’s understanding of diverse groups' needs.
• A welcoming environment, interpreter services, and culturally appropriate health education materials benefit patients, treating them as individuals.
• Avoid common radiation safety issues and concerns.

Physician's Order

• A physician's order authorizes lab testing, similar to a prescription.
• The order includes the patient's full name, the date and time of the order, the date and time the drug is to be administered, the generic or trade name of the drug, the dosage, the route of administration, and the physician's signature.

Patient Consent

• Consent is a contract where a patient voluntarily permits a service, correlating patient observation with the ordered radiographic procedure.
• Exceptional technical and communication skills are needed for modified procedures.
• Physicians, nurses, technologists, sonographers, therapists, and other specialists form an interdependent team for safe and successful outcomes.

Valuables

• Patients should be encouraged to leave valuables at home.
• Require patients to sign a liability waiver.
• Provide a place to lock away valuables.
• Use an inventory and receipt system.
• Remember the emergency department and outpatients.

Undressing/Dressing

• Preserve modesty by not undressing unnecessarily.
• Close the door and draw the curtains when undressing the person.
• Keep the room warm.
• Encourage independence.
• Talk to alleviate anxieties and embarrassment.
• Be gentle in your movements and avoid rushing.

Bedpans/Urinals

• Provide a damp washcloth or wet wipe.
• Empty the bedpan or urinal in the toilet.
• Clean the bedpan or urinal with soap and water, and disinfect as needed.

Dietary Preparation

• Determine processes and parameters to be verified and identify qualified experts.
• Include documented evidence to confirm the efficacy of all elements of the food safety system.

Medication Preparation

• Verify any medication order and its completeness.
• The order should include the drug name, dosage, frequency, and route of administration and if anything is missing, check with the practitioner.
• Check the patient's medical record for allergies or contraindications.
• Prepare medications for one patient at a time and educate patients about their medications.
• Encourage patients to speak up if something seems amiss.
• Follow the eight rights of medication administration.