Radiologists' tendency to collaborate with referring physicians in managing contrast media-related risk factors

This study investigates radiologists' tendency to collaborate with referring physicians in managing risk factors associated with contrast media (CM) using a modified control preferences scale (CPS). This study is valuable, as it represents the first effort to capture radiologists' perspectives on this issue.

The study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 50 radiologists working at Kayseri City Hospital between June 2021 and April 2022. During the interviews, a modified CPS was used. Participants were presented with five different preference options, each written on a separate card. These preferences ranged from fully active involvement in managing CM-related risks to a completely passive role. At the end of the interview, the two most preferred roles of each participant were identified, categorized, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. All statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS statistical package.

Of the 50 interviews conducted, 44 were included in the analysis, as they met acceptable permutations. Among these, 6 interviewees (13.6%) preferred a completely active role and 19 (43.2%) preferred a completely passive role. Additionally, 19 radiologists (43.2%) chose one of the collaborative roles.

We believe that the preference for a passive role among the majority of radiologists (43.2%) is more closely related to the inadequacies of the existing medical service system and infrastructure rather than a lack of awareness or emotional/motivational inadequacy regarding team formation. These findings should not be interpreted as a negative indicator of teamwork but rather as data for healthcare managers and legal experts to make necessary organizational adjustments. A substantial proportion of radiologists who favor a collaborative role (43.2%) exhibit the emotional-motivational willingness and cognitive understanding needed to engage in team formation and teamwork.

The preference for a passive role among radiologists appears to be driven more by the limitations of the current medical service system and infrastructure than by a lack of awareness or motivation for teamwork. Recognizing these systemic barriers is essential for healthcare managers and policymakers to implement necessary organizational improvements. Additionally, radiologists who prefer a collaborative role are likely aware of the benefits of teamwork, highlighting their potential to contribute to future research and improvements in CM-related risk management. Enhancing collaboration opportunities and addressing structural deficiencies may facilitate the greater involvement of radiologists in multidisciplinary teams, ultimately improving patient care and CM-related risk management.