Assessment of the Response to Abdominal and Pelvic Computed Tomography Report Recommendations: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Chart Review Study

Abstract

The radiology report is the primary form of communication between the radiologists and referring clinicians. It is a structured document containing several key components pertaining to the interpretation of radiological examinations and may require the addition of follow-up imaging recommendations to optimize patient outcomes. This study aims to determine whether follow-up imaging recommendations are being acknowledged and acted upon by referrers. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital. Prerecorded BESTCare data of patients who underwent abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans between October 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, and received recommendations for further evaluation were collected after obtaining ethical approval from the local authority. Data of patients younger than 14 years old, patients who did not receive a recommendation, and patients who had CT scans that were uploaded to the BESTCare system but were performed outside the institution were excluded. The collected data were recorded in a passwordprotected Microsoft Excel file for further analysis. ResultsA total of 523 report recommendations from 422 abdominal and pelvic CT reports were analyzed. The most common organs indicated for CT scan evaluation were the breast (N = 54, 10.33%), kidney (N = 46, 8.80%), lymph node (N = 36, 6.88%), and colon (N = 33, 6.31%). The most common type of further evaluation recommended was further imaging (N = 410, 78.39%). A total of 278 (53.15%) recommendations were not performed, with 199 (71.58%) not having a documented rationale for noncompliance. ConclusionThe majority of the follow-up imaging recommendations to ordering physicians were not carried out. This study highlights the need for notification and audit systems to monitor compliance with follow-up recommendations. Improving the communication between radiologists and referring physicians is key to optimizing patient healthcare.

The barriers, motives, perceptions, and attitudes toward research among radiology practitioners and interns in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

“…For instance, during the year of 2018–2019, three research articles were published ( 52 – 54 ), followed by a lack of publications in 2020. Yet, in 2021, there was a considerable rise with seven research publications ( 55 – 61 ), and it continued to grow with 10 research publications in 2022–2023 ( 62 – 71 ).…”