INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS AND NURSES IN EMERGENCY TRAUMA SETTINGS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Main Article Content
Keywords
Interprofessional communication; Radiologic technologists; Nurses; Trauma care; Emergency department; Teamwork; Diagnostic imaging; Collaboration; Systematic review
Abstract
Background: Emergency trauma settings are characterized by high patient acuity, time-sensitive decision-making, and the need for seamless collaboration among healthcare professionals. Effective interprofessional communication between radiologic technologists and nurses is essential for ensuring timely diagnostic imaging, patient safety, efficient workflow, and optimal clinical outcomes. Despite their critical roles in trauma care, communication challenges between these professionals may contribute to delays, medical errors, duplication of tasks, and compromised patient care. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing evidence regarding interprofessional communication between radiologic technologists and nurses in emergency trauma settings, identify common barriers and facilitators influencing communication practices, and assess the impact of communication quality on patient outcomes, workflow efficiency, and healthcare team performance. Methods: A systematic search of major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase, was conducted to identify relevant studies published in English. Studies examining communication, collaboration, teamwork, or interprofessional interactions between radiologic technologists and nurses within emergency departments, trauma units, or acute care environments were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed according to established systematic review guidelines. Findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Results: The review demonstrated that effective communication between radiologic technologists and nurses is a critical determinant of successful trauma care delivery. Key communication practices included structured handovers, clear documentation, timely information exchange, and collaborative patient assessment. Several barriers were consistently identified, including high workload, overcrowding, time constraints, role ambiguity, interruptions during patient transfers, inadequate communication protocols, and hierarchical workplace cultures. Facilitators of effective communication included standardized communication tools, interdisciplinary education, simulation-based trauma training, regular team briefings, and organizational support for collaborative practice. Studies reported that improved communication was associated with reduced imaging delays, enhanced patient safety, fewer diagnostic and procedural errors, increased staff satisfaction, and more efficient patient flow throughout emergency departments. Conclusion: Interprofessional communication between radiologic technologists and nurses represents a fundamental component of high-quality trauma care. Evidence suggests that structured communication strategies, collaborative training programs, and organizational initiatives promoting teamwork can significantly improve clinical efficiency and patient outcomes in emergency trauma settings. Future research should focus on developing standardized communication frameworks and evaluating intervention effectiveness through multicenter studies to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in trauma and emergency care environments.