The American College of Radiology (ACR) has unveiled a new strategic plan that the organization describes as an "audacious" effort to "increase member value, improve radiologic care, and strengthen health care."
Developed in coordination with ACR members, the plan "makes ACR decision-making more inclusive, transparent, and effective as it positions members, their practices, and the ACR for future success," noted Howard B. Fleishon, MD, MMM, FACR, Chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors.
The nearly 40,000-member organization has detailed 12 interconnected, interdependent strategic objectives organized across four organizational perspectives that "will focus and drive ACR activities in coming years." When fully implemented, the plan "will support improved health equity, quality, delivery, and outcomes," according to the ACR.
"Health care is changing rapidly," William T. Thorwarth, Jr., MD, FACR, Chief Executive Officer of the ACR, told Oncology Times, noting that the ACR updates its strategic plan on a regular basis. "The ACR, its members, and the profession must evolve as well."
The objectives the organization has outlined in this most recent update include measures designed to increase the organization's external influence by pursuing strategies that "encourage members and stakeholders to promote the use of information management to deliver best outcomes and increase the visibility and influence of radiology." This goal is also designed to identify areas in which the ACR wants to increase influence, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, and government.
The ACR "desires to build trust within the membership," and looks at the plan as a way to strengthen inclusivity and transparency, making all members feel "a sense of ownership and community" and communicating consistently about the inner workings of the ACR, "instilling confidence that the college is operating in the best interest of members."
The plan "will help focus ACR efforts to increase the racial and ethnic, age and career stage, gender, practice type, and geographic diversity of its commissions, committees, and leadership, enabling many different voices and perspectives to be heard and acted upon," Thorwarth stated. "The college is continually working to update its technology and techniques in order to inform-and, where possible, create-a dialogue with members to keep them informed of and able to participate in ACR issues, initiatives, and policies. This plan will enable the ACR to improve, augment, and refine these efforts moving forward."
The new plan aims to promote the role of the radiologist in population health and equity as well.
The ACR "believes radiology is a critical participant in the multidisciplinary medical team and is committed to driving recognition of its vital role." The organization noted the new strategic plan will help optimize the use of diagnostic imaging, non-imaging data, and tools to keep radiologists central to diagnosis and management; ensure equitable distribution and access to necessary imaging technology, including screening for early detection of disease, for all patients; adapt current models of care for patients with different needs; and encourage the development of tools to help radiologists take a more holistic approach to patient care.
The ACR also intends to further promote "the key role radiologists must play in ensuring the integrity and implementation of AI, data science, and emerging technology." To this end, the ACR's strategic plan will provide education and change management to adapt to new technologies; proactively engage members and ensure they have the necessary tools to make transitions; and pursue strategies that promote the development and implementation of AI in ways that ensure patient safety, according to the organization.
With the new plan in place, the ACR looks to expand new areas of quality improvement infrastructure for radiology, "building on its strength in developing new capabilities."
To achieve this end, the organization looks to establish radiologists as quality improvement leaders within delivery systems, educate members on optimal quality improvement practices, and create opportunities for improved quality through interoperability.
Ultimately, the updated plan figures to build upon ACR's groundwork to empower radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nuclear medicine physicians, and allied professionals to "work together and strengthen efforts to ensure an appropriate legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement atmosphere that allows patients to access their preferred providers in their communities," Thorwarth noted.
The new plan will also enable the organization and its members to drive the discussion and implementation of "big-picture issues and technologies."
"These will ultimately determine and improve daily clinical care, including population health, health equity, artificial intelligence advancement and procurement, and ongoing quality improvement infrastructure efforts," he concluded. "It is important that radiology and radiologists are at the forefront of these efforts at the national, state, health care system, and practice levels. The updated strategic plan positions the ACR, its members, and their patients for success in the coming years."
Mark McGraw is a contributing writer.