Problem Solving in Radiography

1
Problem Solving in Radiography

• V.G.Wimalasena
• Principal School of radiography

2
Why is it required?

• To perform a given task
• quickly,
• efficiently, and
• as comfortably as possible for the patient.

3
Introduction

• When the Radiographer is assigned to a particular
  patient, he must decide how to perform the
  assigned task quickly, efficiently, and as
  comfortably as possible for the patient.
• Before beginning a diagnostic imaging or
  therapeutic procedure, he must go through a
  problem solving process.
• This may be done in writing initially and may
  later become a simple thought process.

4
Steps in problem solving

• Step 1 Assessment (Data collection)
• Step 2 Analyzing
• Step 3 - Listing the potential problems and
  setting a goal.
• Step 4 Formulating a Plan
• Step 5 - Evaluation

5
Step 1 Assessment (Data collection)

• Date that effects how the procedure will be
  performed will include
• Subjective data includes anything that the
  patient or accompanying person might say that is
  pertinent to the procedure.
• Objective Data Anything that the RT sees, hears,
  smells, feels, reads on a hospital chart,
• or
• Reported to him about the patient by another
  health worker who has care for the patient.

6
Step 2 Analyzing

• After the data has been gathered, it should be
  analyzed
• (e.g., the patient is unable to stand, he has
  difficulty breathing, he is disoriented).
• Irrelevant data should be disregarded and
  relevant data listed in priority order.

7
Step 3 - Listing the potential problems and
setting a goal.

• List the problems that will be encountered.
• Set a goal or target to achieve by performing the
  procedure

8
Step 4 Formulating a Plan

• Prepare a plan to overcome the problems and to
  achieve the goal
• Patient involvement in this process is
  recommended because the patient will more willing
  to cooperate to achieve the goal if he feels that
  he is partially responsible for a successful
  examination or treatment.

9
Performing the task

• Perform the task
• The use of systematic problem solving allows the
  RT to accomplish his work assignment in a minimum
  amount of time with the least amount of effort
  for him and the greatest comfort and safety for
  the patient.

10
Step 5 - Evaluation

• After each procedure is complete, it should be
  evaluated. The RT should ask himself the
  following questions
• How did the plan work?
• What problems arose that I did not anticipate?
• What must I do differently next time?

11
Result of evaluation

• If this type of evaluation is done after caring
  for each patient, you will rapidly grow in
  professionalism and skill.

12
Summary

• The use of systematic problem solving allows the
  RT to accomplish his work assignment in a minimum
  amount of time with the least amount of effort
  for him and the greatest comfort and safety for
  the patient.
• The problem solving procedure may be done in
  writing initially and may later become a simple
  thought process.

13
End of problem solving

• Next
• Summary of what we have learned so far

14
Summary of the lessons

• Health care services in Sri Lanka
• Health care Administration
• Hospital staffing
• Members of the Health care team
• Role of the Radiographers/ Radiological
  Technologists
• Professionalism of Radiological technology

15
Professionalism of Radiological Technology

• Radiography (Radiologic technology) has become a
  complex and highly specialized profession.
• The person who selects this profession must
• Be aware of the ethical and legal constraints
  that will govern his practice as a member of that
  profession
• Be willing to accept these constraints.
• learn the Principles of Professional Conduct for
  Radiographers and adhere to these principles.
• Be aware of the rights of the patient and treat
  each patient as a human being with dignity and
  worth.

16
The patient

• The patient who comes for a diagnostic imaging
  procedure or radiotherapy procedure is often
  fearful and anxious because his basic needs are
  threatened.
• Grieving and handicapped patients present
  particular problems that must be recognized and
  dealt with.
• By means of therapeutic communication techniques,
  the RT can decrease the patient anxiety.
• Effective communication is often the key to a
  successful examination or treat5ment therefore,
  it is essential for the RT to become a successful
  communicator.

17
Problem-solving planning

• The RT will need to plan the patients care
  before he begins to work.
• A systematic problem-solving process that
  includes assessment, data analysis, setting a
  goal, establishing a plan to achieve the goal, an
  evaluating the work done is require for
  efficiency and safety in completing assignments.