How often do patients ask for the results of their radiological studies?

OBJECTIVES: To measure how often patients ask directly about their test results at the end of imaging studies. METHODS: A total of 1,171 outpatients underwent ultrasonography (384), CT (382) or MR of the extremities (405). Demographic features including age, sex, educational background, anxiety and type of examination (initial examination vs follow-up) were considered. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of the chi-square test. RESULTS: Of the 1,171 patients, 525 (45%) asked for information about the results of their studies. Only 88/382 (23%) patients asked after CT; 224/405 (55.3%) asked after MR, and 213/384 (55.5%) asked after US (CT vs US and vs MR p < 0.001). There was a highly significant trend regarding education (36.4% with elementary schooling; 41.5% with intermediate education; 55.1% with higher schooling or university degrees; p < 0.001). No other differences were noted. CONCLUSION: We believe these results show the importance of the direct doctor-patient relationship during radiological studies. Communication, time to talk and provision of information are probably the most important things patients want from their doctors. Our study suggests that this is also relevant in radiology and, when given the opportunity to meet the radiologist, patients appreciate the interaction.