Professional Issues in Imaging Chapter 1.docx

Profession

Profession

A calling that requires specialized knowledge and intensive academic preparation.

Radiographer

A radiologic technologist who uses critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment to perform diagnostic images.

Ethics

Conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession or group.

Practice Standards

Guidelines that define the role of the practitioner and establish criteria for judging performance.

Continuing Education

Professional education received following completion of training to maintain skills.

Liability

Something that a person is obligated to do or an obligation required to be fulfilled by law, usually of a financial nature.

Malpractice

Professional negligence that is the cause of injury or harm to a patient.

Bioethics

Moral issues dealing with human life and death.

Regulatory Compliance

Control of a situation or group of laws that supervise a profession.

Statutory Law

Established law enacted by a legislative body and punishable by the court system.

Radiographers

Professionals who demonstrate understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology, maintain accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure technique, and prepare patients for radiographic examinations.

Professional Performance Standards

Define activities in education, interpersonal relationships, self-assessment, and ethical behavior for radiographers.

Radiography Clinical Performance Standards

Define activities in assessment, analysis, patient education, implementation, evaluation, outcomes measurement, and documentation for radiographers.

Quality Performance Standards

Define activities in patient care, procedural analysis, performance, and evaluation for radiographers.

Continuing Education

Mandatory for licensed radiographers, involves earning 24 credits every 2 years to enhance knowledge, skills, and patient care standards.

Professional Organizations

Provide opportunities for professional development, leadership, and interaction in radiologic technology.

Ethics

Set of moral principles governing professional conduct, including honesty, integrity, fairness, and accountability in radiologic technology.

Health Care Team

Interact with physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other professionals in daily practice as a radiographer.

Teleological Theory

A philosophical principle that focuses on the consequences of actions, aiming for the highest good and greatest happiness for the largest number of people.

Deontology

A philosophical theory that emphasizes following rules and duties without considering consequences, judging actions based on obligations.

Virtue Ethics

A philosophical belief that promotes using wisdom over emotional or intellectual problem-solving, incorporating principles of utilitarianism and deontology for decision-making.

Autonomy

The ethical principle that upholds the right of individuals to make rational decisions free from external pressures, particularly in healthcare where patients have the right to make decisions about their care.

Beneficence

The ethical principle requiring all actions to aim for a good result or benefit, focusing on preventing harm and doing the greatest good for the patient.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of privacy and keeping patient information confidential unless disclosure benefits the patient or is required by law.

Violating a rule adopted by any state board with competent jurisdiction

Breaking a regulation set by a state board with the authority to do so.

Knowingly providing false or misleading information

Intentionally giving incorrect details related to patient care.

Practicing outside the scope of authorized practice

Working beyond the limits allowed by one's current permit, license, or registration.

Making false statements to ARRT

Providing untrue information to ARRT or not cooperating with their investigations.

Engaging in deceptive communications

Misleading others about one's education, credentials, or qualifications.

Failure to report ethical violations

Not informing ARRT of known ethical breaches by Registered Technologists or Candidates.

Failure to report errors in patient care

Neglecting to promptly inform a supervisor of mistakes made during patient care.

Double Effect

Actions that have both positive and negative consequences, permissible under specific criteria.

Fidelity

Obligation to fulfill commitments and promises made to patients.

Justice

Ensuring equal treatment and benefits for all individuals based on their needs.

Nonmaleficence

Duty to avoid causing harm and prevent potential harm in practice.

Paternalism

Making decisions for a patient without consulting them, justified by potential outcomes.

Sanctity of life

Belief that life is valuable, and decisions should not be made based on personal values.

Veracity

Upholding honesty in professional interactions.

Respect for property

Safeguarding patients' belongings and equipment while avoiding damage or misuse.

Patient's Right to Consent

Patients have the right to consent to or decline participation in research studies or human experimentation affecting care and treatment, with a full explanation provided before consent. Declining research participation entitles the patient to the most effective care available.

Patient's Right to Continuity of Care

Patients have the right to expect reasonable continuity of care and to be informed of available patient care options when hospital care is no longer appropriate.

Patient's Right to Information

Patients have the right to be informed of hospital policies, practices, available resources for dispute resolution, charges for services, and payment methods related to their care.

Patient's Responsibilities

Patients are responsible for providing accurate health history, keeping appointments, following practitioner's instructions, fulfilling financial obligations promptly, adhering to hospital rules, being considerate of others, and recognizing the impact of their lifestyle on personal health.

Legal Concerns in Healthcare

Statutory and common laws, criminal and civil laws, and tort law impact healthcare professionals. Criminal law deals with offenses against society, while civil law addresses violations of private legal rights. Tort law aims to compensate injured parties for personal injury or damage, whether intentional or unintentional.

Unintentional Tort

Occurs when a radiographer is negligent in patient care, leading to patient injury without intent.

Immobilization Techniques

Methods used to restrict patient movement during imaging procedures, requiring physician orders and careful monitoring.

Incident Reports

Documentation of any injury or error in the diagnostic imaging department, including details of the incident, individuals involved, and actions taken.

Good Samaritan Laws

Laws protecting individuals providing medical aid in emergency situations from liability if acting within accepted standards and without gross negligence.

Informed Consent

Patient's voluntary permission for a procedure after being informed of risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences, ensuring legal and ethical obligations are met.

Malpractice Insurance

Professional liability protection for radiographers against lawsuits, recommended for all to safeguard against legal actions.

Malpractice

Wrongful act by a professional like a physician or lawyer that harms a patient or client, leading to a civil lawsuit for damages.

Professional Liability Insurance

Provides protection against claims of malpractice, ensuring coverage for legal expenses and negligence.

Informed Consent

Must be freely given without coercion, in writing, and include procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to withdraw consent.

Medical Records

Kept for each patient seeking treatment, containing identifying data, physician's orders, progress notes, history, and discharge summaries.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ensures patient record privacy, security, and confidentiality in radiologic technology.

Health Care Delivery

Includes Medicare, Medicaid, Prospective Payment System, Managed Care Organizations, and Point of Service Plans to manage costs and improve care quality.

Radiologic Technology Profession

Requires extended education, clinical practice, specific skills, and decision-making autonomy within the scope of practice.

Radiologic Technology Ethics

The ethical and legal constraints that govern the practice of radiologic technology as a profession.

Code of Ethics

The set of principles and standards that guide the behavior and decisions of professionals in the field of radiologic technology.

Patient Rights

The understanding that each patient must be treated with dignity and worth, and their rights must be respected.

Scope of Practice

The boundaries within which a radiographer must work, ensuring that all professional tasks are within their authorized duties.

Documentation in Healthcare

The importance of maintaining accurate medical records to transmit information, protect patients, aid in research, and evaluate patient care quality.

Competence in Radiography

The expectation for radiographers to act responsibly, safely, and competently when caring for patients, communicating effectively with the healthcare team, and respecting patient autonomy.