Risk Management in Radiology Units: Managing an Acute Adverse Event in a Radiology Department

Abstract

Radiology units in a hospital or clinic encompass a set of discrete functional areas where collectively large numbers of imaging procedures are performed. Diagnostic radiology alone typically accounts for more than 95% of all imaging studies, using a diverse menu of imaging techniques that include X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Most of these radiology procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. The unique feature of the utilization pattern in a radiology unit is the concentration of a large number of imaging procedures in a relatively short period of time. This high-throughput characteristic is inherent to the design and function of a radiology unit. High-performance expectations, in fact, underlie the hierarchical organization and associated management structure of a typical radiology department.