Law and Order: Best Practices for Radiologic Technologists

In the field of radiologic technology (RT), understanding ethical and legal standards is crucial for providing safe, patient-centered care. Let’s look at some best practices for RTs that emphasize the importance of ethics in everyday practice.

Why Study Ethics?

First, a foundational question: why study ethics in the first place? Studying ethics is vital for RTs for several reasons:

• Patient-Centered Care: Having a deep understanding of ethics can ensure patients' needs and rights are prioritized.
• Informed Decision-Making: Armed with the right ethical standards, you can help patients make knowledgeable, informed choices about their care.
• Compliance: Understanding the ethics of healthcare isn’t just a best practice; it’s the law. Adhering to ethical standards ensures you’ll always be on the right side of legal and regulatory compliance.
• Professionalism: Adhering to legal best practices is a way to ensure you’re also able to maintain a professional demeanor, which is essential for maintaining trust.

Common Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas frequently arise in healthcare settings, emphasizing the need for adherence to established guidelines like the ARRT Code of Ethics. The Code consists of aspirational principles and mandatory standards that govern the conduct of RTs. Not surprisingly, it highlights the need to respect professional values and prioritize patient safety.

Despite these guidelines, errors and ethical violations still occur, leading to significant consequences. Reports estimate that between 200,000 and 400,000 people die annually due to medical errors, underscoring the urgent need for ethical vigilance.

Violations of Ethical Standards

My Investing In You presentation (on demand soon) highlights specific examples of ethical violations in radiology that clearly violate ARRT Standards of Ethics.

These case studies will illustrate the consequences of ethical lapses:

1. Larry Jones Case: An RT at Kings County Hospital was accused of sexually assaulting two patients. This case exemplifies the severe repercussions of violating ethical and professional boundaries.
2. Jacoby Roth Case: An RT was involved in a situation where a child received excessive radiation due to machine malfunction. This led to significant long-term health issues for the patient, highlighting the critical importance of proper equipment handling and adherence to safety protocols.
3. Informed Consent Issues: In the case of Valley v. Albert Einstein Medical Center, a patient was not adequately informed of the risks associated with a procedure, leading to tragic outcomes. This case emphasized the necessity of ensuring that patients fully understand the implications of their choices.
4. Malpractice and Negligence: Various examples demonstrate how negligence can arise from simple oversights, such as failing to communicate important information between staff members. The legal doctrine of Respondeat Superior holds employers accountable for their employees' actions, reinforcing the importance of thorough training and adherence to procedures.

Conclusion

Ethics in radiology is not merely a theoretical construct; it is a necessity that impacts every aspect of patient care. Radiologic technologists must navigate complex ethical dilemmas daily, making it essential to possess a strong understanding of ethical principles and legal regulations. By fostering an environment of ethical awareness and compliance, RTs can significantly enhance patient safety and the overall quality of care in healthcare settings.

Ongoing education in ethics is crucial for all RTs. Engaging with these principles not only benefits patients but also uplifts the profession, ensuring that radiologic technologists continue to practice with integrity and excellence.