Performance quality of X-ray technicians when they interact remotely with the Reference Center for Diagnostic Radiology using telemedicine technologies

Abstract

Telemedicine technologies are successfully implemented and will be used in a global perspective to optimize and improve the quality of diagnostic radiology. On the basis of teleradiology, the concept of centralized radiological reporting has been implemented. The centralization of expertise within the Reference Center provides a complete solution to the issues of staff shortage, uninterrupted research, the maximum level of accessibility and quality of diagnostic radiology. At the same time, the quality and effectiveness of the independent performance of X-ray technicians using telemedicine technologies without the direct presence of a radiologist remain unexplored.The aim of the study. To evaluate the quality and reliability of remote interaction between primary health care X-ray technicians and radiologists of the Reference Center for diagnostic radiology.Materials and methods. The study includes data on the performance of the Reference Center and pilot Moscow city medical facilities providing primary health care (city clinics, n = 12) from January 01, 2019 to March 31, 2021. The number and structure of X-ray technician requests to doctors of the Reference Center for consultations during conducting examinations, as well as a proportion and structure of defects in the performance of X-ray technicians have been relatively studied; satisfaction assessment has been conducted. The following methods were used: analytical, sociological, statistical.Results and discussion. In the conditions of remote performance, the proportion of studies which require communication between X-ray technicians and radiologists is only 0.38 % on average. The share of requests for assistance is decreasing by 35.0 %, while a total number of radiological studies reporting remotely is increasing by 10.0 % monthly. Leading reasons for requests are organizational issues – 45.0 %, admission of an unscheduled patient – 26.0 %. Critical questions on the study methodology are only 11.0 %. Under the working conditions of the Reference Center, the need of X-ray technicians for a doctor’s assistance during the study performance has decreased (p < 0.0001), the pace of getting a consultation if it is required, increased significantly, and time delays have been completely eliminated (p < 0.0001). A satisfaction rate of X-ray technicians with their professional activities has increased (p < 0.0001). In the conditions of remote interaction, the number of technological defects during radiological studies significantly decreased (p < 0.05).Conclusions. A concept of the Reference Center for diagnostic radiology based on the systemic application of telemedicine technologies has been successfully implemented in practice and proven its positive impact on the quality and safety of the performance of primary health care X-ray technicians.