What is it about?
This study explores the experience of radiology technologists performing ultrasound-guided peritoneal drainage. It emphasizes the importance of training, precision, and teamwork in ensuring safe image-guided procedures and expanding technologists’ roles in interventional radiology.
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Why is it important?
This study highlights the evolving clinical role of radiology technologists in performing ultrasound-guided peritoneal drainage, a procedure traditionally performed by physicians. It emphasizes the importance of proper training, aseptic technique, and real-time imaging to ensure safe and accurate fluid removal. By documenting local experience, the research demonstrates that with structured supervision and standardized protocols, trained technologists can perform peritoneal drainage effectively and safely. The findings underscore how procedural autonomy, when combined with multidisciplinary collaboration, can enhance workflow efficiency, reduce patient wait times, and minimize physician workload in interventional radiology. The study also sheds light on practical lessons from day-to-day clinical challenges, such as patient positioning, managing complex ascitic fluid cases, and ensuring post-procedure monitoring. These insights contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting technologist-led image-guided procedures within a quality and safety framework. Ultimately, this work serves as a foundation for hospitals aiming to establish training pathways for radiology technologists in interventional roles. It advocates for recognizing their contribution to patient-centered care and for expanding the boundaries of safe, evidence-based practice in interventional radiology.
Perspectives
The experience of radiology technologists performing ultrasound-guided peritoneal drainage reflects an important evolution in modern interventional radiology. It highlights how skill, precision, and continuous learning can safely expand the scope of technologist-led procedures. This study reinforces that patient care in interventional radiology is a shared responsibility, where trained technologists, working under structured guidance, play a crucial role in improving access to timely treatment. As imaging tools become more advanced and procedures more standardized, technologists are increasingly positioned to contribute beyond traditional roles. Empowering technologists with advanced procedural training not only enhances departmental efficiency but also builds a stronger safety culture within healthcare systems. This perspective envisions a future where multidisciplinary collaboration, mutual trust, and evidence-based education shape the next generation of image-guided interventions.
Ibraheem Y Aljediea
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH)
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Radiology Technologists Performing Peritoneal Drainage, Local Experience, The Arab Journal of Interventional Radiology, January 2022, Wolters Kluwer Health,
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750107.
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