Backlogs in formal interpretation of radiology examinations: a pilot global survey

Abstract

ObjectiveAnecdotal reports from imaging facilities globally suggest growing radiology interpretation reporting delays. This pilot study's primary aim was to estimate the backlog of formal interpretation of imaging examinations. MethodsAn online survey was distributed to radiologists globally to gather practice-specific characteristics, imaging volumes, and reporting for 3 types of examinations (brain/head CT scans, chest CT scans, and chest radiographs) at 4 time points: 7, 30, 90 days, and 6 months. ResultsWe received responses from 49 radiologists in 16 countries on six continents. Unreported examinations (backlog) were present in thirty of 44 (68%) facilities. Backlogs for brain/head CT, chest CT, and chest radiographs were present in, respectively, 48%, 50%, and 59% of facilities at 7 days and 20%, 23%, and 32% of facilities at 6 months. When present, the mean proportion of backlog (range) at 7 days was 17% (1 to 96) for brain/head CT, 18% (3 to 82) for chest CT, and 22% (1 to 99) for chest radiographs. ConclusionsOur findings from this pilot study show a widespread global backlog in reporting common imaging examinations, and further research is needed on the issue and contributing factors.