Call For Help! The Importance of Role Delineation in a Standardized Contrast Media Emergency Response Protocol

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2019 Mar-Apr;48(2):111-113. doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.07.002. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Abstract

With the use of intravenous contrast in medical imaging, radiologists and radiology personnel will inevitably encounter adverse events at their imaging facilities. At our institution, the stress of these emergency scenarios led to disorderly and unsafe responses by the staff. We present a quality improvement project, where our team addressed these unsafe emergency responses. Through explicit role delineation and standardization, we created an effective and efficient emergency response protocol that was replicable throughout our healthcare organization.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / therapy*
  • Emergencies*
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Professional Role*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Radiology Department, Hospital / organization & administration*

Substances

  • Contrast Media