Plain film reporting in the UK

A survey has been carried out to investigate the extent of non-reporting and delayed reporting of plain radiographs in UK hospitals. The survey took the form of a confidential postal questionnaire to all consultant radiologists in the UK. Five hundred and sixty-five replies were included in the study, representing 45% of the total consultant workforce. The majority of respondents (58%) indicated their belief that all plain films should be reported by a radiologist. However, only 16% stated that all films were reported, and 22% stated that more than 10% of films were never reported. The principal categories of films not reported were: out of date, dental, fracture clinic follow-up and orthopaedic out-patients. The commonest reason given for non-reporting was the near certainty that the report would be too late to influence clinical management. Although such a survey cannot be used to estimate precise prevalence, it does show that large numbers of radiological examinations go unreported, or are reported after the films have been returned from the referring clinician. The level of non-reporting is at variance with the stated ideals of the majority of radiologists questioned. Further research is needed to establish the clinical importance of present levels of non-reporting and delayed reporting.