Same-day X-ray reporting is not needed in well-supervised emergency departments

To evaluate the efficacy of a missed radiological abnormality follow-up system in a teaching hospital emergency department.

Prospective audit of all reported radiological abnormalities missed by Fremantle Hospital Emergency Department medical staff from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1998.

Of 29,724 radiological examination series, 459 abnormalities (1.5%) were not clearly documented as being identified in the medical record. The commonest missed abnormalities were incidental chest findings, distal wrist fractures with minimal or no displacement, radial head fractures and tibial plateau fractures. The most senior doctor undertaking initial film review was a junior medical officer in 242 cases (53%), a registrar in 96 cases (21%), and a consultant in 42 cases (9%). The most senior staff member was unknown in 79 cases (17%). One hundred and twenty-four missed abnormalities required a change in patient management (0.41% of total examinations, CI 0.34-0.48%). Ninety patients (73%) were referred to the patient's general practitioner for management. Seventeen patients (14%) returned to the emergency department for management. Thirteen patients (10%) were referred to a specialist clinic and in four cases (3%) the management of the patient was not recorded. No patient required re-admission to hospital.

Missed radiological abnormalities in an emergency department with extended-hours emergency physician supervision can be managed non-urgently on an outpatient basis. Same-day reporting of radiographs is not required if adequate follow-up mechanisms for missed abnormalities exist.