Assessing radiologist assistant supervision levels in Florida.

Background: As radiologist assistants (RAs) become more prevalent in the radiology work force, it is important to re-evaluate how they practice and are supervised.

Objective: To analyze the impact of RA supervision levels on clinical practice.

Methods: A survey was conducted to evaluate whether a random sample of radiologists in Florida would recommend changes to the current levels of supervision required for advanced-practice technologists. The survey form solicited radiologists' opinions concerning practice activities an advanced-practice radiographer would perform and the appropriate supervision levels for each of those activities.

Results: Reduced levels of supervision were recommended by the respondents for 62.5% of the changes to procedures overall, although the responses varied considerably across the procedures. Recommendations for change were more likely when the radiologist had experience working with a physician extender and for supervision of certain types of procedures.

Conclusions: The study revealed that as more experience is gained working with RAs, radiologists increasingly are supportive of lowering supervision levels.