X-ray reporting in accident and emergency departments--an area for improvements in efficiency

All Accident and Emergency departments in England seeing more than 20,000 new patients each year were surveyed for the extent and mechanism of their radiological reporting service. A total of 190 of the 210 departments replied, 39% of these departments were not satisfied with the service available to them. A 'hot' reporting service was available in 2.6% of departments and 49% did not have films reported in under 48 h. The methods used to detect radiological abnormalities missed by the A&E doctor were investigated further. A total of 60% of departments had a traditional reporting system but 29% had introduced systems that required the A&E doctor to include his or her radiological diagnosis with the films prior to their being returned to the X-ray department for reporting. This allowed rapid audit of radiological assessment. Its introduction to all A&E departments is recommended.