Assessing radiologist assistant supervision levels in Florida.
BACKGROUND
As radiologist assistants (RAs) become more prevalent in the radiology work force, it is important to re-evaluate how they practice and are supervised.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the impact of RA supervision levels on clinical practice.


METHODS
A survey was conducted to evaluate whether a random sample of radiologists in Florida would recommend changes to the current levels of supervision required for advanced-practice technologists. The survey form solicited radiologists' opinions concerning practice activities an advanced-practice radiographer would perform and the appropriate supervision levels for each of those activities.


RESULTS
Reduced levels of supervision were recommended by the respondents for 62.5% of the changes to procedures overall, although the responses varied considerably across the procedures. Recommendations for change were more likely when the radiologist had experience working with a physician extender and for supervision of certain types of procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed that as more experience is gained working with RAs, radiologists increasingly are supportive of lowering supervision levels.
Ludwig
Rebecca
R
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
Torsiello
Beth A
BA
Norton
William Blaine B
WB
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005431:Florida; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000078329:Workforce