Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Allied Health

Date of Award

12-2009

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Ester Verhovsek

Committee Members

Shirley Cherry Bates, Randy L. Byington

Abstract

Poor interprofessional communication has been linked to decreased quality of patient care and increased numbers of medical errors. Increased occupational stress due to lack of effective interprofessional communication can lead to poor job satisfaction and burnout. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to interprofessional communication as perceived by radiologic technologists. In particular, how did demographic data influence these perceptions? The research was conducted during June of 2009. The population for this survey consisted of registered radiologic technologists employed at hospitals in Northeast Tennessee. A survey questionnaire covering the subject of interprofessional communication was distributed to a cluster sample directly involved in patient care. An ANOVA was used to determine which barriers were significantly greater. A TUKEY HSD post hoc analysis was used when influences were significantly different. Participants indicated that interprofessional communication affects their occupational stress and job satisfaction in addition to the quality of patient care. This analysis revealed that radiographers experienced the most difficulty communicating with nurses.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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