10 Patient Care Tips for Rad Techs

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Most patients aren’t wild about needing X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. It usually means something is wrong. And for some, the experience can cause anxiety about both the process and the outcome. That’s why it’s so important for Radiologic Technicians to treat their patients with care, compassion, empathy, and professionalism. Whether you’re already a Rad Tech or just exploring the profession, check out 10 tips for quality patient care. Which ones do you think are the most important?

1. Review the Exam Order and Patient History

Even before the patient enters the exam room, you can start providing excellent patient care. Confirm the physician’s order, and take a look at the patient’s medical history to understand if anything might impact the procedure. By thoroughly reviewing the exam order and medical history, you can tailor the exam to the patient’s needs, minimizing risk and improving diagnostic accuracy.

2. Introduce Yourself as a Radiologic Technologist

When you meet your patient, confirm their identity, making sure what they tell you matches their hospital wristband. Then, introduce yourself and explain that you’re the Radiologic Technician who will be performing their exam. Smile and be friendly and approachable. This is your chance to make a positive first impression on your patient and for your healthcare facility. Ask your patient how they’re feeling, what brought them in, and if they have any initial questions.

3. Ensure Proper Preparation

Make sure the patient has followed any pre-exam instructions they received. For example, some patients may need to fast before their exam. Or a diabetic patient may need to change their insulin use to maintain blood sugar levels. For patients who are extremely claustrophobic, there may have been instructions for sedation. And children may also be prescribed something to keep them calm during the procedure.

4. Explain the Imaging Procedure

Using simple terms, walk your patient through the procedure. Explain to them the steps you will take, the necessary precautions, and the importance of their cooperation. Tell them how long the procedure should take, what they should or shouldn’t do during the exam, and how long it will take for the images to process. Let them know when they can expect to get their results and hear from their doctor. Avoid technical terms and medical terminology that the patient might not understand.

5. Answer Patient Questions

Ask the patient if they have any questions or concerns before you proceed. This is a good chance for the patient to discuss their worries, air their feelings, and learn more about the procedure. Listen carefully and exercise patience if they ask a lot of questions. Always show a calm demeanor and express empathy and compassion for their feelings.

6. Provide Patient Privacy During Radiographic Procedures

An important part of making patients feel safe is respecting their privacy. Step out of the room while they change into a hospital gown. Use the appropriate drapes and sheets to offer as much modesty and protection as possible.

7. Position Your Patients Properly

How you prepare and position a patient depends on the kind of image you take. While taking an X-ray may seem pretty straightforward, if the limb you’re X-raying is broken, it likely hurts. A lot! Be gentle, but make sure to position your patient precisely so you don’t need to take the image twice. And be sure to position them so only the necessary parts of the body will be exposed to radiation. Always try to make your patient as comfortable as possible and perform the procedure as quickly as you can. For example, while there may be no way to make your patient truly comfortable during a mammogram, the quicker the better. And for an MRI, follow the proper procedures relevant to the part of the body being imaged.

8. Protect Your Patient

Proper infection control is critical in any healthcare setting. Always wash your hands before and after you see a patient and be sure to clean and disinfect the equipment before and after each visit. You need to take extra care when you work in imaging. Follow all radiologic technology safety measures before, during, and after every procedure.

9. Explain Post-Procedure Care

Once the exam is over and you have the images necessary for the doctor to make a diagnosis or chart progress, check in with the patient once again. Let them know that the exam is over, and they did a good job making it through the uncomfortable part of the visit. Give them some privacy to change, then sit down with them and explain if there is any post-procedure care they need to follow.

10. Thank Your Patient

Thank your patient and remind them of how long it may take for them to receive the results of their exam and when they may need any follow-up. Answer any final questions and then get ready for your next patient.

If you have great people skills and an interest in healthcare, you might be a good candidate for a career as a Rad Tech. At Charter College, we offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology that can prepare you for a rewarding career in this field. Our instructors have years of experience in healthcare and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

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