Radiology report format preferred by requesting physicians: prospective analysis in a population of physicians at a university hospital

Abstract

Objective: To improve communication between attending physicians and radiologists by defining which information should be included in radiology reports and which reporting format is preferred by requesting physicians at a university hospital. Materials and Methods: Respondents were asked to choose among reports with different formats and levels of detail, related to three hypothetical cases, and questioned as to which characteristics commonly found in radiology reports are appropriate for inclusion. To assign the absolute order of preference of the different reports, the Kemeny-Young method was used. Results: Ninety-nine physicians completed the questionnaires (40.4% were resident physicians; 31.3% were preceptors of residency programs; and 28.3% were professors of medicine). For ultrasound with normal findings, ultrasound showing alterations, and computed tomography, respectively, 54%, 59%, and 53% of the respondents chose structured reports with an impression or comment. According to the respondents, the characteristics that should be included in the radiology report are the quality of the image, details of the clinical presentation, diagnostic impression, examination technique, and information about contrast administration, selected by 92%, 91%, 89%, 72%, and 68%, respectively. Other characteristics that were considered important were recommendations on follow-up and additional radiological or non-radiological investigation. Conclusion: Requesting physicians apparently prefer structured reports with a radiologist impression or comment. Information such as the quality of the examination, the contrast agent used, and suggestions regarding follow-up and additional investigation are valued.

Mexican radiologists' and referring clinicians' preference for a standardized structured radiology report: qualities and content

“…Previous studies have investigated preferences for the type of radiology reporting [6][7][8]11,12 . In a binational European study, Bosmans et al 13 informed that 592 (84.5%) of 701 referring clinicians and 88 (65.7%) of 134 radiologists preferred standardized structured radiologic reporting of complex imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT, or MRI).…”

“…Our results on the preference for standardized structured radiology reports by Mexican radiologists and referring clinicians could motivate their implementation in daily practice. There are few studies in which radiologists and referring clinicians were asked about their opinions on the qualities of the radiology report [6][7][8]12 . The radiology report is considered a personal reflection of radiologists' attitudes, perceptions, and skills 14 .…”

“…In our study, the main qualities of the standardized structured radiology report identified by radiologists and referring clinicians are comparable to those described in the literature in terms of clarity and better content with a complete and detailed description of imaging findings that can be communicated to referring clinicians. These characteristics reduce the possibility of errors and improve quality and patient care 6,12,15,16 . In addition, the appearance and completeness of the standardized structured radiology report are independent of the clinical setting 6 .…”

Structured Reporting of Acute Ischemic Stroke – Consensus-Based Reporting Templates for Non-Contrast Cranial Computed Tomography, CT Angiography, and CT Perfusion

“…Die Vorteile einer strukturierten Befundung liegen in einer größeren Vollständigkeit und damit einer besseren Befundqualität [1][2][3][4][5]. Mehreren Studien zufolge bevorzugen die meisten klinischen Zuweiser die strukturierte Befundform gegenüber Freitexten [6][7][8]. Das primäre Ziel einer strukturierten Vorlage ist es, einen qualitativ hochwertigen radiologischen Befundbericht für eine spezifische Fragestellung auf dem jeweils aktuellen Wissensstand bereitzustellen.…”

“…Structured reporting provides a greater degree of completeness and thus better report quality [1][2][3][4][5]. According to multiple studies, most clinical referring physicians prefer structured reporting to free-form texts [6][7][8]. The primary goal of a structured reporting template is to provide a high-quality radiology report for a specific radiological examination in accordance with the current state of knowledge.…”