Clinicians' Behavior Toward Radiology Reports: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Azza S Reda,Khalid Khashoggi,Dalia Abdulmonem Hashem,Felwa Abukhodair

doi:10.7759/cureus.11336

Abstract

BackgroundThe radiology report is the way of communication between the radiologists and the clinicians of different specialties. Each part of the report is important and significant in the patient management plan. Therefore, knowledge of interpretation and behavior in understanding the final report is a variable crucial skill.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional survey study to explore the behavior and attitude of clinicians toward radiology reports in relation to their professional clinical demographic. A total of 107 physicians participated, including consultants, specialists, and residents among different specialties.ResultsAmong the 107 responses, 58.9% were male and 41.1% were female. The majority of the physicians (78.5%) read the radiology report for every requested study for each patient, while 21.5% of participants didn’t read the radiology report for the studies they requested, instead, they only read it occasionally. Gender played a significant factor, as female practitioners were more likely to read the complete radiology report (P = 0.033). In addition, the age of the practitioner was also significant as clinicians in the age group 40-60 years old were more likely to check the requested radiology image prior to reading the report compared to age groups 20-39 and >60 years (P = 0.035). Lastly, specialists were significantly more likely to read the entire radiology report compared to consultants and residents (P = 0.006).ConclusionMore emphasis and awareness should be provided to clinicians on the importance of reading the entire radiology report as some information can be missed if not being read completely.

Highlights

The radiology report is considered the most important form of communication between the clinicians and the radiologist if not often to be the only method
The age of the practitioner was significant as clinicians in the age group 40-60 years old were more likely to check the requested radiology image prior to reading the report compared to age groups 20-39 and >60 years (P = 0.035)
A research study revealed that radiologists preferred a more detailed radiology report that was written in free text, where it incorporates mentioning of the examination techniques conducted by the radiologist [2]

Summary

Introduction

The radiology report is considered the most important form of communication between the clinicians and the radiologist if not often to be the only method. It is incorporated as a part of the patient’s medical records and plays an essential part in the way clinical care is approached. Many studies have evaluated the characteristics and the preferences of both radiologists and other clinicians with regard to radiology reports. Another study mentioned the preference of some imaging centers for radiology reports to be structured which would facilitate the access of information, teaching, clinical research, and other related aspects [3]. Knowledge of interpretation and behavior in understanding the final report is a variable crucial skill

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion