E2479. PEARLS: Peer-Learning Experiences Allow Radiology Technologists to Learn in Safe Spaces
Authors
Tanya Moseley;
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Beatriz Adrada;
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Background
To our knowledge, peer-learning experiences allow radiology technologists to learn in safe spaces (PEARLS) is the first peer-learning platform for radiology technologists. PEARLS fosters a safety culture and leads to an awareness of human performance and everyone makes mistakes. The program offers opportunities for individual and organizational improvement. PEARLS promotes teamwork and collaboration to learn. There is no judgment, only discovery, as each participant receives and gives knowledge.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The educational goals for PEARLS are as follows: To promote peer learning opportunities for radiology technologists, starting with a pilot program in breast imaging, demonstrate the validity of peer-learning improvement processes for radiology technologists, enhance technologists’ performance using "opportunities for improvement" and "great jobs", and foster a culture of trust between radiologists and technologists through peer learning.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Quality patient care is at the heart of everything that we do. Errors happen. PEARLS is a safe space for learning from errors. Regular meetings, anonymous reporting, and the submission of errors as well as words of encouragement and affirmation are all elements that make up this peer learning environment for technologists. The meetings include an equal number of discussions regarding opportunities for improvement and celebrations of jobs very well done.
Conclusion
The pilot program in Breast Imaging was very well received by technologists and radiologists. The shared experience of the team helps to cultivate a commitment to achieving the shared goals of continual quality improvement.
The discourse regarding mistakes was non-judgmental and focused on discovering learning opportunities and parts of the system that could be improved upon.
Since technologists tend to seek peer advice for technical issues, p.e.a.r.l.s. allows technologists to share ‘tips and tricks’ to help each other improve.
While it possible for all technologists who may be cross trained in multiple imaging modalities to participate in p.e.a.r.l.s., depending on the size and composition of the radiology department and technologists’ tasks, the meetings may be grouped according to subspecialty.
