Need for Speed? The Real Cost of Rushing Through Imaging Exams

In the fast-paced world of medical imaging, there’s a constant push to see more patients, complete exams faster, and keep up with demanding schedules. But what happens when speed starts to compromise patient care? This blog explores the real-life pressures that imaging technologists face, the hidden dangers of rushing, and practical ways to slow down while maintaining efficiency.

The following is a guest blog post from Cassling Investing In You speaker Chaundria Singleton, RT(R)(CT)(MR), ARRT. Learn more during “Need for Speed? The Real Cost of Rushing Through Imaging Exams,” a webinar taking place March 11 and March 12.

The Pressure Cooker of the Imaging Department 

Understaffing and Overload

Medical imaging departments are often understaffed, forcing technologists to rush through exams to keep up with patient demand.

• High patient volume – Many facilities schedule back-to-back exams, leaving little room for detailed work.
• Staff shortages – Technologists frequently work with fewer team members than needed, increasing their workload.
• Limited turnaround time – Administrators often focus on efficiency metrics, unintentionally pressuring techs to prioritize speed over quality.

In addition, studies have linked excessive workloads in healthcare to burnout, decreased job satisfaction and increased error rates.

Real-Life Analogy: The Puzzle Under a Time Limit

I love to watch the show Survivor, and they always have puzzles! Think of your work as having to put together a complex puzzle. When you’re not under a timer, you carefully examine each piece, ensuring it fits perfectly. But when a timer is set, you might hastily try to force pieces together, resulting in gaps or mistakes that ruin the final image. In medical imaging, these “mistakes” aren’t just cosmetic—they can lead to missed diagnoses, compromised patient safety, and leave you in hot water professionally and legally.

The Hidden Fear of Asking Questions

New Technologists: The Fear of Appearing Incompetent

Many new technologists feel hesitant to ask questions, worrying that it might make them seem unprepared.

• Fear of judgment – Many believe asking too many questions could make them look inexperienced.
• Lack of mentorship – Some workplaces don’t foster an environment where new techs feel safe seeking guidance.
• Pressure to "figure it out" – Instead of asking, some techs rush through exams, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

The truth is that avoiding questions doesn’t demonstrate confidence—it increases risk.

Seasoned Technologists: The Pressure to Keep Up

Experienced techs may also feel pressure to maintain a fast pace, even if it means cutting corners.

• Expectation to "just know" – Long-time technologists might feel embarrassed admitting uncertainty.
• Fear of slowing down workflow – Asking questions or double-checking procedures could be seen as inefficient.
• Risk of burnout – Constantly rushing can lead to fatigue, mistakes, and job dissatisfaction.

True expertise isn’t about never asking questions—it’s about knowing when to seek clarity.

Real-Life Story: The Reluctant Questioner

• A new technologist hesitated to ask for help during a complex exam.
• Instead of seeking clarification, they completed the exam with uncertainty.
• Later, the radiologist had to call the patient back due to poor image quality, delaying the diagnosis.

Lesson: Asking a question upfront is always better than correcting an avoidable mistake later.

The Domino Effect: How Rushing Impacts Everyone

When one technologist rushes through an exam, the repercussions extend far beyond their stress level. Rushing can set off a domino effect that impacts patients, radiologists and the entire healthcare team.

Risk to the Patient

When technologists rush, patient care suffers.

• Blurry or incomplete images – A rushed exam may not capture the necessary diagnostic details.
• Missed diagnoses – Poor-quality images can result in critical conditions going undetected.
• Repeat exams – Patients may have to undergo additional imaging, causing stress and delays.

Impact on the Radiology Team

Radiologists and other healthcare professionals depend on high-quality images.

• Increased workload – Poor images require additional interpretation, slowing down workflow.
• Frustration among staff – When techs rush, it creates extra work for radiologists and administrators.
• Delays in diagnosis – The longer it takes to get clear images, the longer patients wait for results.
  
  

Balancing Speed and Quality - Shifting the Mindset

The first step in breaking the cycle of rushing is a mindset shift. Rather than viewing every exam as a race against the clock, technologists need to see each patient interaction as an opportunity to provide the highest standard of care. Quality should always come first.

This isn’t just about doing the job right; it’s about protecting your career, your colleagues, and most importantly, the patients who depend on your expertise. A change in perspective can help technologists prioritize quality without sacrificing efficiency.

• Quality over speed – The goal is to capture clear, diagnostic-quality images, not just finish quickly.
• Patient-centered care – Slowing down ensures each patient gets the best possible imaging experience.
• Professional integrity – Taking time to do things correctly protects both patients and technologists.

A rushed exam might save a few minutes but can cost hours in rework and patient callbacks.

Practical Tools and Strategies

1. Time Management Techniques

• Use checklists to ensure all necessary steps are completed.
• Set up equipment and review patient history before starting the exam.
• Organize workflows to maximize efficiency without compromising quality.

2. Effective Communication

• Encourage a work culture where asking questions is welcomed.
• Hold team huddles to discuss challenges and best practices.
• Support mentorship programs for newer technologists.

3. Continuous Education

• Stay updated on best practices through training and workshops.
• Participate in peer discussions to learn from colleagues' experiences.
• Seek feedback from radiologists to improve imaging techniques.

4. Self-Care and Breaks

• Short breaks can help maintain focus and reduce fatigue.
• Proper rest prevents burnout and supports better decision-making.
• Work-life balance is key to staying engaged and motivated in the profession.

Taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of your patients.

In Conclusion

The pressure to rush through imaging exams is real, but the consequences are too significant to ignore. Rushing leads to errors, increased radiation exposure, and frustration among staff. Patient trust and care is built on accuracy, not speed. Technologists can work quickly while keeping patients safe by doing high-quality work, asking questions when needed, speaking up when they feel pressured to do their jobs, and using their time wisely.

Every medical imaging exam tells a story—make sure it’s one of precision, care, and excellence.

Let’s shift the focus from speed to quality and ensure the best outcomes for patients and medical imaging professionals alike.