Newswise — Reston, VA — The American College of Radiology (ACR) continued to signal its commitment to incorporate patient involvement to ensure high-quality radiologic care by supporting the Society for Participatory Medicine (SPM).
“It’s imperative that radiologists be leaders in patient engagement since that collaboration is critical in the redesign of the nation’s health care system,” said William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, ACR chief executive officer. By joining as an SPM bronze organization member, ACR will collaborate with patients, health professionals and caregivers, exchanging ideas on health issues, influencing policy, conducting research, and educating others in best practices in participatory medicine, he explained.
“Most people have imaging tests during their lives;” said Daniel Z. Sands, MD, MPH, SPM co-founder and board co-chair, “but a great deal of work has yet to be done on how physicians should partner with patients when selecting tests and how results of tests are most effectively communicated to patients and caregivers.” He added, “By partnering with the Society for Participatory Medicine, the American College of Radiology is showing that its leadership transcends the traditional domain of physicians and that it extends to patient-physician collaboration as well. We look forward to partnering with the ACR.”
”Not every radiology encounter includes direct interaction between the radiologist and the patient and their family. However, there are opportunities to engage patients and their families more in radiology. In addition to participating in decisions about their own care, patients and their families can be partners in facility renovation, designing patient experiences, improving patient safety and many other areas of health care,” said James V. Rawson, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care.
The commission promotes constructive relationships among radiologists, patients, their families and communities to support radiology participation in emerging alternative payment models. For more information, visit the related resource webpage.
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About the American College of RadiologyThe American College of Radiology (ACR), founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science, and professions of radiological care.
About the Society for Participatory MedicineThe Society for Participatory Medicine (SPM) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization devoted to promoting the concept of participatory medicine, a movement in which activated empowered patients engage as drivers of their health, and in which providers encourage and collaborate with them as full partners in their care. SPM does this by stimulating dialogue, influencing policy, advocating research, and educating patients, health care professionals, and others. SPM members include stakeholders from across the health care continuum. To arrange an interview with any ACR member, please contact Shawn Farley at 703-648-8936, Maryann Verrillo at 703-390-9822 or email [email protected].
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