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Added Value of Radiologist Consultation for Pediatric Ultrasound: Implementation and Survey Assessment
Evan J Zucker1,2, Beverley Newman1, David B Larson1
11 All authors: Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, 725 Welch Rd, Rm 1690, Stanford, CA 94305.
Insights
Pediatric radiologists consulting with parents during ultrasound visits significantly improved patient satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and enhanced understanding of the radiologist's role. This direct interaction is highly valued by parents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Communication
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Parental anxiety and limited understanding of the radiologist's role can impact the pediatric imaging experience.
- Effective communication between healthcare providers and parents is crucial for improving patient care and satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of radiologist-parent consultations during pediatric ultrasound examinations.
- To assess changes in visit satisfaction, parental anxiety levels, and understanding of the radiologist's role.
Main Methods:
- Parents of children undergoing outpatient pediatric ultrasound were surveyed before and after the examination.
- A randomized group of parents met with a pediatric radiologist for consultation and immediate disclosure of results if desired.
- Anxiety scores and understanding of the radiologist's role were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- 92% of participating parents (71/77) spoke with a radiologist, often by request.
- Consultation was associated with high satisfaction scores (mean 3.8/4) and a preference for future interactions (91%).
- Significant improvements were observed in understanding the radiologist's role (68% to 88%) and a decrease in anxiety scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Radiologist-parent consultations during pediatric ultrasound are well-received by parents.
- These interactions effectively decrease parental anxiety and improve understanding of the radiologist's function.
- Routine radiologist-parent interaction enhances the overall value of pediatric ultrasound services.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiologist-parent (guardian) consultation sessions for pediatric ultrasound with immediate disclosure of examination results if desired increases visit satisfaction, decreases anxiety, and increases understanding of the radiologist's role.
Subjects And Methods:
Parents chaperoning any outpatient pediatric ultrasound were eligible and completed surveys before and after ultrasound examinations. Before the second survey, parents met with a pediatric radiologist on a randomized basis but could opt out and request or decline the consultation. Differences in anxiety and understanding of the radiologist's role before and after the examination were compared, and overall visit satisfaction measures were tabulated.
Results:
Seventy-seven subjects participated, 71 (92%) of whom spoke to a radiologist, mostly on request. In the consultation group, the mean score (1, lowest; 4, highest) for overall experience was 3.8 ± 0.4 (SD), consultation benefit was 3.7 ± 0.6, and radiologist interaction was 3.7 ± 0.6. Demographics were not predictive of satisfaction with statistical significance in a multivariate model. Forty-six of 68 (68%) respondents correctly described the radiologist's role before consultation. The number increased to 60 (88%) after consultation, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant decrease in mean anxiety score from 2.0 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 0.8 after consultation (p < 0.001). Sixty-four of 70 (91%) respondents indicated that they would prefer to speak with a radiologist during every visit.
Conclusion:
Radiologist consultation is well received among parents and associated with decreased anxiety and increased understanding of the radiologist's role. The results of this study support the value of routine radiologist-parent interaction for pediatric ultrasound.
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