Perception of Clinicians about Diagnostic Radiological Errors in the University of Science and Technology Hospital, Sana'a - Yemen

Abstract

Objective: To identify the magnitude and causes of radiological errors as perceived by resident and consultant clinicians in the University of Science and Technology (UST)Hospital, Sana’a -Yemen.Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was used to assess the magnitude and causes of radiological errors. It was distributed among all clinicians in UST Hospital.Results: Of 40 residents and consultants from the UST Hospital invited to participate in the present study, 52.5%agreed to join the study. Of them, 81.0% reported the notice of diagnostic radiological errors during their daily practice,wherethe majority of daily noticed errors (64.7%) were in the range of1–10 diagnostic errors. More than half of radiological errors were reported in the interpretation of ultrasound, and abdomen was described as being the most frequent body part with diagnostic radiological errors (65.0%). The respondent clinicians thought that poor communication between radiologists and clinicians was the most frequent cause of diagnostic errors, being reported by29.0% of clinicians.However, 24.0% and 19.0% of clinicians attributed errors to the lack of experience and knowledge of radiologists, respectively.Conclusions: Errors in radiological diagnosis are still common in Yemen. Establishing a good healthcare system with a proper communication between the radiologists and clinicians is critical to identify and minimize these errors. Peer review and hands-on training are important for newly joined radiologists.