Enhancing Public Access to Relevant and Valued Medical Information: Fresh Directions for RadiologyInfo.org

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Radiology Vol. 14; no. 5; pp. 697 - 702.e4
• Main Authors: Rubin, Geoffrey D., MD, MBA, Krishnaraj, Arun, MD, MPH, Mahesh, Mahadevappa, PhD, MS, Rajendran, Ramji R., MD, PhD, Fishman, Elliot K., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Access to Information; Humans; Internet; patient-centered; public information; Radiology; Social Media; User-Computer Interface; web site; patient-centered; Internet; public information; web site
• ISSN: 1546-1440; 1558-349X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.10.026

Abstract RadiologyInfo.org is a public information portal designed to support patient care and broaden public awareness of the essential role radiology plays in overall patient health care. Over the past 14 years, RadiologyInfo.org has evolved considerably to provide access to more than 220 mixed-media descriptions of tests, treatments, and diseases through a spectrum of mobile and desktop platforms, social media, and downloadable documents in both English and Spanish. In 2014, the RSNA-ACR Public Information Website Committee, which stewards RadiologyInfo.org , developed 3- to 5-year strategic and implementation plans for the website. The process was informed by RadiologyInfo.org user surveys, formal stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and usability testing. Metrics were established as key performance indicators to assess progress toward the stated goals of (1) optimizing content to enhance patient-centeredness, (2) enhancing reach and engagement, and (3) maintaining sustainability. Major changes resulting from this process include a complete redesign of the website, the replacement of text-rich PowerPoint presentations with conversational videos, and the development of an affiliate network. Over the past year, visits to RadiologyInfo.org have increased by 60.27% to 1,424,523 in August 2016 from 235 countries and territories. Twenty-two organizations have affiliated with RadiologyInfo.org with new organizations being added on a monthly basis. RadiologyInfo provides a tangible demonstration of how radiologists can engage directly with the global public to educate them on the value of radiology in their health care and to allay concerns and dispel misconceptions. Regular self-assessment and responsive planning will ensure its continued growth and relevance.