Transfer Patient Imaging: A Novel Peer Feedback Program Beyond Institutional Boundaries.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Education
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Level 1 trauma centers frequently receive transferred patients with prior imaging reports from community radiologists (CRs).
• Discrepancies between outside overreads and initial reports necessitate a system for practice improvement.
• Existing literature lacks studies on peer review programs addressing external, cross-institutional errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a unique peer feedback learning model for community radiologists.
• To improve the accuracy of initial radiology reports for transferred patients.
• To assess the perception and utility of an external peer feedback system.

Main Methods:

• Prospective overreading of outside CT and MR exams by specialist trauma radiologists at a Level 1 trauma center.
• Importing outside exams into PACS for review and comparison with original reports.
• Sending discrepancy reports via mail to originating community radiologists and conducting a subsequent survey.

Main Results:

• Over 9000 outside exams were reviewed, with significant discrepancies identified in 176 reports sent to 139 individual radiologists.
• A 27% response rate was achieved for the survey.
• 84% of respondents recalled the feedback, 85% agreed with the overread, and 88% supported program continuation.

Conclusions:

• A novel, administratively simple peer feedback model effectively addresses outside overread discrepancies.
• The program is well-received by community radiologists, who view the feedback favorably and wish for its continuation.
• This model offers valuable insights for institutions developing similar cross-institutional peer learning initiatives.