Question

The radiology department you work in has had an unusual number of errors in the past year. Specifically, several patients have undergone procedures entirely different from the ones ordered. Unfortunately, the department does not have a culture of safety, and open discussion of mistakes is almost unheard of.

During the course of the improvement project in the radiology department, it becomes clear that certain radiology technicians suspected that patients were about to undergo the wrong procedures, but they did not speak up. Which of the following changes is likely to be low-cost, quick to implement, AND effective?

(A) Change the forms patients use to check in for their procedures.
(B) Implement an electronic health record.
(C) Implement standardized procedures to help enable workers to speak up.
(D) Adjust the schedule so that certain procedures are only done at a particular time each day.

Answer 1

Implementing standardized procedures to enable workers to speak up is a low-cost, quick, and effective change that would improve patient safety and foster a culture of safety and open communication in the radiology department.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address the issue of patients undergoing the wrong procedures and the lack of open discussion of mistakes in the radiology department, implementing standardized procedures to enable workers to speak up would be a low-cost, quick, and effective change. By establishing clear guidelines and encouraging a culture of safety and open communication, radiology technicians would feel empowered to raise their concerns and prevent errors from occurring. This change would not only help improve patient safety but also foster a more collaborative and accountable work environment.