title: Communication in diagnostic radiology: meeting the challenges of complexity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As patients and information flow through the imaging process, value is added step-by-step when information is acquired, interpreted, and communicated back to the referring clinician. However, radiology information systems are often plagued with communication errors and delays. This article presents theories and recommends strategies to continuously improve communication in the complex environment of modern radiology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Communication theories, methods, and systems that have proven their effectiveness in other environments can serve as models for radiology.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Craig M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Froehle
authors.forename: Neil D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Towbin
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011871:Radiology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: communication; complexity; information technology; value stream