Radiology Technician Allegedly Deviates From Patient Supervision Protocol

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Updated onApril 12, 2019

Radiology Technician Allegedly Deviates From Patient Supervision Protocol

This case involves a 41-year-old male patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who suffered injuries after falling from an x-ray table. Before the x-ray was conducted, the patient requested assistance getting onto the table. The technician then stepped out of the room towards the end of the exam without notifying the patient as to why. The patient attempted to slide to the edge of the table to get off. As he was sliding forward, he fell to the floor. He began to yell for assistance but the technician did not return to the room for over 5 minutes. As a result, the patient suffered back and arm injuries. It was alleged that the technician did not follow the proper protocol for helping patients on and off the x-ray table.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. What is the proper procedure when assisting a patient on and off an x-ray table?

2. Should the patient be closely monitored throughout x-rays and tests?

Expert Witness Response E-006277

inline imageI have been a radiology technician, (R),(CT), (M), (MRI) technologist for 20+ years. I have worked in general radiology and specialty modalities, which involves patients of various health conditions. I believe that my experiences have given me the knowledge and expertise required to evaluate cases such as this one. In a typical x-ray setting, the technologist is in the room with the patient. The technologist stands in a control area where the tech sets up the techniques and exposes the patient to radiation. All x-ray control areas have a window lined with lead in order to see the patient. Technologist should assist patients on and off of the x-ray table. The tech should stay within eyesight of the patient or have another staff member stay with the patient in the event the tech needs to leave. Patients should not be left alone on an exam table. The only reasons a tech would leave would be to discuss this case with a radiologist or get help from other staff members. I'm questioning the following. Why was the patient moving forward on the table? Where was the tech when the patient was moving and falling? If the tech was where he or she was supposed to be, the patient would not have to yell for help.

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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