Radiology reporting: a general practitioner's perspective

Abstract

Unlike hospital-based clinicians, general practitioners (GPs) lack direct contact with radiologists, and the radiology report is usually the sole method of communication from the radiologist to the GP. It is important to gain feedback regarding what GPs perceive as a good-quality radiology report, especially in the current climate of competition for provision of radiology services. The aims of this study are to determine the level of GP satisfaction with radiology reports, their perception of optimum report content and their preferences regarding the level of detail and report format. A questionnaire was sent to 100 GPs referring to our Trust for radiology services. GPs were generally satisfied with the content and clarity of reports that they receive, and gave suggestions on how reports could be improved. The majority of GPs were unfamiliar with the normal size ranges of frequently measured anatomical structures. Radiologists' recommendations for further treatment, referral and non-radiological investigation were viewed as valuable report components. When asked to rank preferences for ultrasound reports for the same patient with differing formats and levels of detail, GPs favoured detailed reports in a tabulated format. In conclusion, the majority of GPs like detailed reports and value the radiologist's opinion outside the remit of imaging when suggesting further patient management. Reporting the size of a structure without explanation of its significance can potentially cause confusion. It is important to know if GPs are satisfied with the radiology reports they receive so that we can uphold high communication standards and ultimately improve patient care.

Style and Content of CT and MR Imaging Lumbar Spine Reports: Radiologist and Clinician Preferences

“…The same author conducted a survey of general practitioners and identified similar results. 10 Our study, however, demonstrated clear preference for more detailed reports in the setting of lumbar spine cross-sectional imaging, without significant preference for either prose or itemized formats, suggesting that completeness is preferred over report style.…”

Influence of Radiology Report Format on Reading Time and Comprehension

“…This study did not examine whether report format impact comprehension or speed with which the reports were read. A follow-up study [16] with general physicians from 19 different specialties confirmed the initial results.…”

Optimizing communication between the radiologist and the general practitioner

“…If findings are conveyed to the referring clinicians the time and means of communication should be recorded (3,6).…”

“…Specific guidelines for reporting to GPs include the following advices (3,4,6,7): platforms allowing optimal data exchange between GP and radiologists.…”