Comparative analysis and assessment of radiological investigation reports for abdomen and pelvic computed tomography scans

Abstract

Background: Medical imaging modalities have significantly improved the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses over the years; they also present a risk of diagnostic errors due to various factors. One of the primary issues is the variation in findings between preliminary and final reports, specifically for current imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography (CT) among others. Although several studies have investigated variations between preliminary and final reports in different contexts, research specific to the radiology department is limited. Through this study protocol, we aim not only to help provide a comprehensive evaluation of the variation in findings between preliminary and final diagnostic reports in radiology but also aid in improving the accuracy and quality of patient care and contribute to developing effective strategies to minimize diagnostic errors. Methods: A total of 128 male and female patients presenting to the radiology diagnosis department for abdomen and pelvic CT scans would be considered for the study. The radiological investigation reports for the scans would be interpreted by junior residents and radiologists. The reports will be manually compared to check for similarities, new findings, and exclusions. The degree and frequency of variability will be statistically assessed and reported in tabulations and graphs under the patient's age and gender. Discussion: This study seeks to investigate the differences in interpretations between resident and radiologist reports, consistent with previous research. The results of this study will provide insights into the variations in interpretations, highlighting the importance of continuous training. Examining the findings of a report as a whole can also deliver valuable knowledge into the potential impact on patient care. This can lead to enhancements in radiology reports and overall patient management. The implications involve improving the education of residents, optimising clinical decision-making processes, and promoting positive patient outcomes.