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 patient’s 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.