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Plain film reporting in the UK
1Department of Radiology, Harrogate District Hospital.
Clinical Radiology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
A UK survey found that while most radiologists believe all plain radiographs should be reported, a significant percentage are not, often due to delays impacting patient care.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Non-reporting and delayed reporting of plain radiographs are potential issues in UK hospitals.
- Radiological reports are crucial for accurate clinical diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of non-reporting and delayed reporting of plain radiographs in UK hospitals.
- To understand radiologists' perspectives on reporting practices.
Main Methods:
- A confidential postal questionnaire was distributed to consultant radiologists across the UK.
- 565 responses were analyzed, representing 45% of the consultant radiologist workforce.
Main Results:
- 58% of radiologists believed all plain films should be reported by a radiologist.
- Only 16% reported that all films were consistently reported.
- 22% indicated that over 10% of films were never reported, with fracture clinic and outpatient films most affected.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of radiological examinations in the UK go unreported or are reported late.
- There is a discrepancy between ideal reporting standards and current practices.
- Further research is necessary to determine the clinical significance of these reporting delays and omissions.