Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: An Efficient and Robust Software for Automated Fusion of Multiple Preclinical Imaging Modalities
Published on: October 27, 2023
Error and discrepancy in radiology: inevitable or avoidable?
1Radiology Department, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. abrady@muh.ie.
Abstract:
Errors and discrepancies in radiology practice are uncomfortably common, with an estimated day-to-day rate of 3-5% of studies reported, and much higher rates reported in many targeted studies. Nonetheless, the meaning of the terms "error" and "discrepancy" and the relationship to medical negligence are frequently misunderstood. This review outlines the incidence of such events, the ways they can be categorized to aid understanding, and potential contributing factors, both human- and system-based. Possible strategies to minimise error are considered, along with the means of dealing with perceived underperformance when it is identified. The inevitability of imperfection is explained, while the importance of striving to minimise such imperfection is emphasised.
Teaching Points:
• Discrepancies between radiology reports and subsequent patient outcomes are not inevitably errors. • Radiologist reporting performance cannot be perfect, and some errors are inevitable. • Error or discrepancy in radiology reporting does not equate negligence. • Radiologist errors occur for many reasons, both human- and system-derived. • Strategies exist to minimise error causes and to learn from errors made.
Insights
Radiology errors and discrepancies occur frequently but do not automatically mean medical negligence. Strategies exist to minimize these events and learn from them, acknowledging that some imperfection in reporting is inevitable.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Practice
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Errors and discrepancies in radiology are common, affecting 3-5% of daily studies.
- The terms "error" and "discrepancy" and their link to medical negligence are often misunderstood.
- Understanding these events is crucial for improving patient care and radiologist performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and categorization of errors and discrepancies in radiology.
- To explore human- and system-based factors contributing to these events.
- To discuss strategies for minimizing errors and managing underperformance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on radiology errors and discrepancies.
- Analysis of contributing factors (human and systemic).
- Exploration of error minimization and performance management strategies.
Main Results:
- Radiology reporting performance is not perfect; some errors are inevitable.
- Discrepancies between reports and outcomes do not always signify errors.
- Errors stem from various human and systemic factors.
Conclusions:
- Some radiology errors are unavoidable, but discrepancies aren't always errors.
- Radiologist errors do not equate to medical negligence.
- Proactive strategies can minimize errors and facilitate learning from them.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:24X-ray Imaging
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:12Types of Errors: Detection and Minimization
Absolute error in a measurement is the numerical difference from the true or central value. Relative error is the ratio between absolute error and the true or central value, expressed as a percentage.
Errors can be classified by source, magnitude, and sign. There are three types of errors: systematic, random, and gross.
Systematic or...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...