The Leaders in Patient Engagement special collection features a selection of case studies from the Imaging 3.0 library that highlight how radiologists are interacting more closely with patients and providing patients with the information they need to make more informed decisions about their care. The collection includes discussion questions and other resources to help radiologists advance their patient engagement efforts.
Leaders in Patient Engagement
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To truly deliver value-based medicine, as outlined in Imaging 3.0®, we must engage patients and families and directly involve them in care decisions. While this is unfamiliar territory for many of us, the ACR is committed to strengthening radiologists’ ability to lead in this new paradigm.Toward this end, the ACR established the Commission on Patient and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) about four years ago. The commission initially had approximately 45 members and has since grown to comprise seven committees and more than 120 members — including patients, patient advocates, and caregivers. A fundamental concept of the PFCC is that the person closest to the problem is closest to the solution. In other words, engaging patients and families is critical for improving the patient experience.
This means not only involving patients and families in the care setting but also in decision making that impacts our profession and the healthcare system as a whole. Patients now participate in multiple ACR activities from the JACR® editorial board and the patient-friendly ACR Appropriateness Criteria® summary work group to annual meeting presentations and educational webinars.
The ACR has embraced engaging patients and families in our profession and in our organization. At the 2017 annual meeting, the Council Steering Committee passed a resolution to explore other opportunities for patients in the ACR. This rapid growth of patient engagement in radiology can be attributed to the progressive thinking of our membership and our continued adaptability.
The case studies in this collection highlight specific ways some radiologists are engaging patients and adding value as a result. From explaining imaging findings directly to patients and sharing their phone numbers with patients to creating videos that explain imaging exams and sending patients follow-up imaging reminders, radiologists are blazing a trail in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
As you read these case studies, I urge you to ponder what additional improvements we can make in healthcare with patients as our partners.
James V. Rawson, MD, FACR
Chair of the Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care