Educating Radiology Residents About Patient- and Family-Centered Care: The Time Has Come

Abstract

Introduction: Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) has gained increased attention in recent years, especially with the current focus on value over volume and improving the patient experience, but it is not a new concept in medicine or radiology. After a recent New York Times article highlighted how a radiology department failed to provide a radiologist’s husband timely results, it is more critical than ever that radiology practices determine how to better care for their patients. Patients need radiologists to help navigate the technological maze of care. Although technology has revolutionized health care, demonstrating increased diagnostic certainty and streamlined workflows, it has had an untoward effect of weakening the physician-patient relationship. It has become increasingly clear that radiologists should no longer hide in the dark. If we argue that radiologists cannot hide from patients, then what about trainees? Trainees must develop the necessary skills to successfully navigate the evolving patient-centered landscape....