Abstract
Adequate communication between radiologist and referring general practitioner (GP) is mandatory in a good practice clinical setting. Several hurdles may interfere with good communication. Inappropriate imaging requests or incomplete clinical details conveyed to the radiologist may result in inappropriate imaging and interpretation. GPs may find the radiology report confusing or may feel it takes too much time to receive the reports. Communication issues may dissatisfy GPs and make them look for alternative providers for imaging referrals. In the digital era, electronic radiology request forms, digital access for the GP to radiology images and reports and networks centralizing patient data may all help to improve communication between radiologist and GP. In this paper we outline practical ways of improving this communication.
Highlights
Adequate communication between radiologist and referring general practitioner (GP) is mandatory in a good practice clinical setting
They highly value the clinical opinion of the radiologist, and the form and content of the report should be in accordance with their expectations (1-3)
Radiologists should dictate imaging studies in time, produce accurate reports with clear conclusions tailored to the GP and his clinical question, apply electronic means of communication if these are available, and establish direct contact with GPs where appropriate, depending upon clinical scenarios (3)
Summary
Adequate communication between radiologist and referring general practitioner (GP) is mandatory in a good practice clinical setting. Communication issues may dissatisfy GPs and make them look for alternative providers for imaging referrals. GPs rely on e-mail and telephone if they require additional information (1) Another difference is that GPs rely much more on the radiology report than do specialists (1). They highly value the clinical opinion of the radiologist, and the form and content of the report should be in accordance with their expectations (1-3). GPs dissatisfied with the quality of reports and communication could turn to alternative providers for their imaging referrals (3). For this purpose, existing systems for information interchange with general practice should be improved and new ways to improve communication explored and implemented. To avoid uncoordinated initiatives and prevent confusion, guidelines for referral and for the electronic communication and information transfer across the GP-radiologist interface should be developed (2)
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