Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
The impact of different radiology report formats on patient information processing: a systematic review
F A M van der Mee1, R P G Ottenheijm2, E G S Gentry2
1Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. frederieke.vandermee@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Background:
Since radiology reports are primarily written for health professionals, patients may experience difficulties understanding jargon and terminology used, leading to anxiety and confusion.
Objectives:
This review evaluates the impact of different radiology report formats on outcomes related to patient information processing, including perception, decision (behavioral intention), action (actual health behavior), and memory (recall of information).
Methods:
PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycInfo were searched for relevant qualitative and quantitative articles describing or comparing ways of presenting diagnostic radiology reports to patients. Two reviewers independently screened for relevant articles and extracted data from those included. The quality of articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Results:
Eighteen studies, two qualitative and sixteen quantitative, were included. Sixteen studies compared multiple presentation formats, most frequently traditional unmodified reports (n = 15), or reports with anatomic illustrations (n = 8), lay summaries (n = 6) or glossaries (n = 6). Glossaries, illustrations, lay summaries, lay reports or lay conclusions all significantly improved participants' cognitive perception and perception of communication of radiology reports, compared to traditional reports. Furthermore, these formats increased affective perception (e.g., reduced anxiety and worry), although only significant for lay reports and conclusions.
Conclusion:
Modifying traditional radiology reports with glossaries, illustrations or lay language enhances patient information processing.
Key Points:
Question Identifying the impact of different radiology report formats on outcomes related to patient information processing to enhance patient engagement through online access to radiology reports. Findings Lay language summaries, glossaries with patient-oriented definitions, and anatomic illustrations increase patients' satisfaction with and understanding of their radiology reports. Clinical relevance To increase patients' satisfaction, perceived usefulness and understanding with radiology reports, the use of lay language summaries, glossaries with patient-oriented definitions, and anatomic illustrations is recommended. These modifications decrease patients' unnecessary insecurity, confusion, anxiety and physician consultations after viewing reports.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Methods of Documentation III: PIE
01:28Formats for Nursing Documentation
Nursing Assessment Form:
• A nursing assessment form is a foundational document that captures detailed patient data from physical assessments and nursing histories.
• It includes patient demographics, medical history,...
01:26Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
01:24Data Reporting and Recording
01:20Introduction to Documentation and Reporting
Nursing documentation records essential information and details regarding a patient's care and treatment in written or electronic form. It is a critical aspect of nursing practice that involves documenting assessments, interventions, outcomes, and other relevant details about a patient's health status.
Documentation maps the patient's health journey by creating a comprehensive...
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...