Jan Bosmans

How do referring clinicians want radiologists to report? Suggestions from the COVER survey

ObjectiveTo investigate what referring clinicians suggest when asked how the quality of radiology reports can be improved.MethodsAt the end of the questionnaire of the COVER survey, a bi-national quantitative survey on the radiology report among referring physicians, clinical specialists and general practitioners were able to freely enter suggestions with regard to improving the quality of the report. These suggestions were isolated from the quantitative results. Subjects and themes were identified, examined, ordered, counted, compared and analysed.ResultsOf a total of 3,884 invitations to participate, we received 735 response forms from clinicians (18.9%), 233 (31.7%) of which contained suggestions. Issues mentioned most frequently were the need for clinical information and a clinical question, for a conclusion, structuring, communicating directly with the clinician, completeness, integrating images or referring to images, mentioning relevant findings outside of the clinical question, mentioning a diagnosis or suitable differential diagnosis, and concise reporting.ConclusionAlthough these spontaneous suggestions are erratic and sometimes contradictory, they summarise the ideas as well as the emotions of these clients of the radiology department. Therefore it is advisable to take them into account when developing new ways of reporting.

Are patients ready for communication with radiologists? Results of the R2P2 survey:

Background Patient empowerment requires that patients have enough information to make decisions concerning their own health. If patients are to discuss imaging results with radiologists, they have to know who these medical professionals are and what they do. Purpose To examine whether patients understand the role of radiologists, and if particular subgroups are better informed than other ones. Material and Methods Consecutive radiology outpatients in eight radiology centers could complete a web-based or printed questionnaire. Respondents indicated on a five-point Likert scale their level of agreement with 18 statements on the role of radiologists and their preferences concerning contacts with radiologists. Results were rearranged to allow comparison of predetermined subgroups. Dichotomous results were analyzed using χ2 statistics. Results A total of 1,146 questionnaires were found eligible for analysis. Results showed confusion as to the question whether radiologists are medically qualified and enjoy all the privileges thereof. Medically qualified or highly educated respondents were modestly better informed. Patients in private practice were better informed than outpatients in hospitals. Conclusion Patient empowerment requires better understanding of the role of radiologists. Different population subgroups necessitate specific information strategies.