Radiology Reporting: Current Practices and an Introduction to Patient-Centered Opportunities for Improvement

Mityul, Marina; Gilcrease-Garcia, Brian; Mangano, M; Demertzis, Jennifer L.; Gunn, Andrew J.

doi:10.2214/ajr.17.18721

Cited by 26 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Where a referral is returned, it is advisable to document the reasons and inform the referring clinician. This further improves the patients’ clinical information and adds to the quality of patient care [ 23 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiographers’ actions and challenges when confronted with inappropriate radiology referrals

2022

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Objectives To explore radiographers’ actions toward inappropriate referrals and hindrances to assessing referrals. Methods An online survey was distributed to radiographers via the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert scale questions on radiographers’ actions to supplement referral information, actions for unjustified referrals and hindrances to referral assessment. The questionnaire was validated using a test–retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥ 0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to compare subgroups. Results Total responses received were 279. The most reported actions to supplement missing referral information were to ask the patient or relative, examine the body region of concern and check medical records (73%, 70%, 67%, responded often/always, respectively). The actions when confronted with unjustified referrals were reported equally to consult the radiologist, referring clinician and radiographer (69–68% often/always responses). The hindering factors ranked high (agreed/strongly agreed responses) pertained to inadequate information in referral forms (83%), ineffective communication among healthcare professionals (79%), lack of training (70%) and allocated time (61%). Statistically significant associations were observed for a few actions and hindrances with education level, modality of practice and responsibility to screen imaging referrals. Conclusion Radiographers consult colleagues about suspected unjustified referrals. Effective communication pathways, training and time allocation to improve radiographers’ skills to assess referrals may enhance appropriate imaging and delivery of quality patient care. Key Points • Radiographers’ actions of supplementing missing information in radiology referrals facilitate provision of high-quality health services. • Radiographers’ strategy when confronted with inappropriate referrals is to consult radiologists and referring clinicians. • Better inter-professional communication and organisation of tasks can facilitate radiographers’ participation in referral assessment to ensure appropriate imaging. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-08470-z.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiographers’ actions and challenges when confronted with inappropriate radiology referrals

2022

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“…Fear of the examination [17] Limited freedom of movement when positioned in large equipment [18] Anxiety due to uncertainty until disclosure of findings [18,19,21] (Patient) Communication of radiological findings after the examination Personal discussion of findings [20,24,[30][31][32] Comprehension of medical terminology and examination result [36,37] (Referring physician) Communication with radiology department Appreciation of radiological findings and work [12] Quality of intercollegial communication [12,39] Professional motivation and satisfaction in radiology Professional stress level [45] Professional appreciation and recognition [12,45] expression in headings such as "The Relationship Between Radiologists and Clinicians" [11]. It seems even more disturbing that even in radiology journals and lectures, the distinction between clinicians and radiologists is consistently perpetuated [12].…”

Section: (Patient) Experience Of Radiological Examinationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient Centered Radiology – An Introduction in Form of a Narrative Review

Schreyer

Schneider

Dendl

et al. 2022

Rofo

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Background Patient centered radiology represents a crucial aspect for modern sustainable radiology. The definition of patient-centered consists of a focus on patients’ individual values and wishes with a respectful integration in medical decisions. In this narrative review we try to give a practical introduction into this complex topic with the extension to a person-centered radiology, which additionally encompasses values and wishes of radiological and other medical colleagues. Methods Medline search between 2010 and 2021 using “patient-centered radiology” with additional subjective selection of articles for this narrative review. Results Regarding patients’ experiences the main literature focus were patients’ fears of examinations (movement restrictions, uncertainty). Most patients would prefer a direct communication with the radiologist after the examination. Regarding interdisciplinary communication the radiological expertise and quality is highly appreciated; however, there was a general wish for more structured- or itemized reporting. Concerning working conditions radiologists were satisfied despite high psychosocial working pressure. Conclusion Most of the literature on this topic consists of surveys evaluating the current state. Studies on interventions such as improved information before examinations or patient-readable reports are still scarce. There is a dilemma between an increasing radiological workload and the simultaneous wish for more patient-centered approaches such as direct radiologist-patient communications in the daily routine. Still on our way to a more value-based radiology we have to focus on patient communications and a patient-centered medicine. Key Points: Citation Format

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“…A decision to provide patients immediate access to radiology reports creates an opportunity to further patient-centered care by redefining the purpose of the radiology report from a technical document intended for health care providers alone to a shared document between providers and patients. In the current health care environment, patients desire greater access to personal health data and more autonomy in directing their care [10][11][12]. Radiologists' knowledge that their reports may be in patients' hands right away has the potential to exert upward pressure on report quality, clarity, and brevity [13].…”

Section: Opportunities For Immediate Patient Accessmentioning

confidence: 99%