Abstract
BackgroundAlthough evidence is increasing that the implementation of structured reports (SRs) may increase the standardization of reports and improve communication between radiologists and end-users, it is unclear whether these alternative formats of Chinese radiological narratives are appealing or even acceptable to radiologists and clinicians.ObjectiveTo compare the effect of SRs and non-structured reports (NSRs) of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with primary endometrial cancer on referring gynecologists’ satisfaction, further decision-making and efficiency.MethodsForty-one patients with histologically proven endometrial cancer were included in this study. SRs and NSRs for local MRI staging of endometrial cancer were generated for all subjects. NSRs were generated during clinical routine practice. The same 41 uterine studies were reviewed by the same radiologist using structured reporting system after a period of time. Two radiologists compared SRs on the number of key features related to cancer staging and writing efficiency with NSRs together. Five gynecologists filled in questionnaires regarding satisfaction with content, clinical usefulness, report’ quality and time consumption. Statistical analysis included Kendall’s W test, paired-sample t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the number of key features in NSRs comparison to SRs (p = 0.055). A statistically significant difference was observed in the satisfaction with linguistic quality for NSRs versus SRs by three gynaecologists (reader 1: 4.02 vs. 4.63, p = 0.002; reader 3: 3.86 vs. 4.02, p = 0.035; reader 4: 4.05 vs. 4.27, p = 0.024). The radiologist spent less time finishing SRs compared with NSRs (727.22 ± 38.42 sec vs. 616.44 ± 60.00 sec, p = 0.037).ConclusionsThe application of SRs significantly increased the value of female pelvic MRI reports by increasing radiologists’ work efficiency and gynaecologists' satisfaction.
Highlights
Endometrial cancer is a common malignancy with high mortality and morbidity rates being the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in females worldwide [1]
There was no significant difference in the number of key features in non-structured reports (NSRs) comparison to structured reports (SRs) (p = 0.055)
A statistically significant difference was observed in the satisfaction with linguistic quality for NSRs versus SRs by three gynaecologists
Summary
Endometrial cancer is a common malignancy with high mortality and morbidity rates being the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in females worldwide [1]. The initial staging of endometrial cancer is essential for further clinical treatment decisions and for the prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer. Surgery is the criterion standard treatment for endometrial cancer if the patients’ conditions and stage of disease permit it [2,3]. For staging of endometrial cancer, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the main tool for diagnosis because of its excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capability [4]. MRI allows for an accurate assessment of tumor size, localization, infiltration into surrounding structures, and the depiction of locoregional lymphadenopathy, helping for a correct surgical planning and risk stratification of patients who would potentially benefit from preoperative irradiation or systemic chemotherapy. A correct and unambiguous radiological staging is crucial for further clinical planning and the prognosis of patients with histologically endometrial cancer. Evidence is increasing that the implementation of structured reports (SRs) may increase the standardization of reports and improve communication between radiologists and end-users, it is unclear whether these alternative formats of Chinese radiological narratives are appealing or even acceptable to radiologists and clinicians
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