Do Structured Radiology Reports to Describe Uterine Fibroids Provide Adequate Information for Clinical Decision Making? [ID 2683615

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether structured radiology reports for uterine fibroids can affect clinical decision-making when compared to narrative reports. METHODS: Three templates were developed by gynecology and radiology departments to interpret MRI reports in women with uterine fibroids. These included the following: structured report using FIGO classification (SR-FIGO), structured report without FIGO classification (SR), and narrative report (NR). Twenty reports in each group were reviewed and evaluated for presence of 19 key features deemed relevant for management of fibroids. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the distribution of key features. Reports were also evaluated for 1) presence of sufficient information to decide on treatment; 2) surgical approach; 3) type of surgery; 4) necessity to review the MRIs; and 5) time spent reviewing the MRIs. RESULTS: Eighty MRI reports for patients with uterine fibroids were reviewed. Average number of key features in each report type was significantly different (P<.001); SR-FIGO had highest number (16.95±0.19), followed by SR (16.15±0.29), and NR (9.8±0.58). A significant difference was observed between NR and SR (P=.001), NR and SR-FIGO (P=.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between SR and SR-FIGO (P=.063). No significant difference was found in answers to questions 1–5 among the three different reports (P-value range: 0.05–0.34). CONCLUSION: Structured MRI reports for uterine fibroids provide more information than narrative reports. Including the FIGO classification does not significantly alter clinical decision making. Further studies may help clarify whether SR-FIGO can alter treatment and surgical planning for patients with uterine fibroids.