Exploring the Benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reporting by Radiographers: A UK Perspective

Abstract

Background: The United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) Imaging and Radiodiagnostic activity 2013/14 report estimate the year on year increase of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations to be 12.3%, with the designated workforce of radiologists disproportionate to the increase in demand of imaging reporting.

Opportunities for radiographer reporting in Ghana and the potential for improved patient care

“…International evidence demonstrates that radiographer role extension can contribute to improved access to healthcare via reduced workload of radiologists, consequential shorter waiting times for patients, and improved rates of reporting and accuracy of reports, as well as increased job satisfaction for radiographers and, health service cost reduction. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] It is vital for the profession that the case for cost saving is not at the expense of patient outcomes. International evidence suggests that morbidity has not increased with the introduction of radiographer reporting of trauma MSK radiographs, although in some instances there has been a reduction in the number of false negative diagnosis and subsequent patient recalls.…”

“…[6][7][8] Sustained implementation of extended radiography roles in the UK 9 and other developed countries [10][11][12][13][14] has demonstrated latent benefits to healthcare in terms of reduced patient waiting times, reduced healthcare costs, enhanced job satisfaction for practitioners and increased accuracy of reports. 7,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Despite such benefits, professional divisions endure between radiography and radiology regarding the appropriate scope of practices. [15][16][17]27 Developing countries share the generic workload drivers for role extension, but face additional resources constraints 28 and a particular historical development of professional power hierarchies or political/social systems that favour the status quo.…”

Radiographer reporting: A literature review to support cancer workforce planning in England

“…Lockwood 65,66 undertook economic evaluations of both CT and MRI reporting by radiographers and predicted substantial potential yearly cost savings. Over an annual workload of more than 7200 CT head scans, Lockwood 65 suggested a £299,359-£124,514 per annum…”

Difficulties associated with access to training and clinical support for Reporting Radiographers – A narrative evidence synthesis

“…The accuracy of Reporting Radiographers has been endorsed across a range of modalities including: MRI 2,3 , Chest X-ray [4][5][6][7] ; CT head 8 ; Musculoskeletal X-rays 9 ; CT colonography 10,11 ; A&E immediate and delayed reporting 12 . In addition, Radiographer Reporting has been found to be more efficient than existing provision in some studies [12][13][14][15] .…”