Characterizing the Preferred Reporting Methods in Neuroradiology: A Multispecialty Survey

Background: Report structures in radiology can be free-text or structured formats. There are currently no guidelines regarding optimal reporting structure for neuroradiological studies. Clear and efficient reports are essential to facilitating communication between healthcare providers. This project characterizes and compares preferred radiological reporting structures in neuroradiology among physicians. Methods: A REDCap survey including questions on practice environments, satisfaction with current reports, and preferences in report structures for 7 studies: MRI Lumbar Spine, MRI Sella, MRI Dementia, MRI Glioma, MRI Brain Metastases, CTA Head and Neck, and CT Unenhanced Brain was drafted and reviewed by radiologists. This anonymous survey collected responses from radiologists and physicians who read neuroradiology reports across the Greater Toronto Area. Results: The survey received 89 responses. Structured reports were preferred over free-text reports across all specialties for each study. Notably, a large proportion (37/44, 84.1%) preferred having structured reports for CTA head and neck. Preferences for MRI Brain Glioma were relatively mixed, with some respondents favouring free-text reports (8/24, 33.3%) and others preferring structured reports (13/24, 54.2%). Respondents preferring structured reports cited "ease in finding information" as the most common reason, while those favouring free-text reports chose "fewer unnecessary sections" most often. Conclusion: This study identifies opportunities to improve the organization and standardization of information in radiology reports. The consistent preference for structured reports highlights the need for guidelines to optimize radiological reporting and enhance communication between specialties.