The pre-CT checklist: A simple tool to improve workflow and patient safety in an outpatient CT setting

Sheth, Sheila; Mudge, Beatrice; Fishman, Elliot K.

doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.05.014

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The third factor the respondents ranked high for benefits of radiographers assessing referrals in our study was that it enables efficient use of radiology services. Our findings are supported by Sheth et al [ 33 ], that report that not only does radiographers’ involvement in assessing referrals improve patients’ safety and experience, but also provides an efficient workflow in radiology department. The other benefits to radiographers assessing referral ranked high in our study included, improves the radiographer-patient communication, and reduces incidences and errors.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

The value of referral information and assessment – a cross sectional study of radiographers’ perceptions

Chilanga

Olerud

Lysdahl

2022

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background Radiology professionals are frequently confronted with referrals containing insufficient clinical information, which hinders delivery of safe and quality medical imaging services. There is however lack of knowledge on why and how referral information is important for radiographers in clinical practice. This study explores what purposes referral information is used/ useful for the radiographers, and the benefits of involving them in assessing referrals. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted of radiographers recruited through the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. A questionnaire was developed and distributed consisting of 5-point Likert scale questions on a) use/usefulness of referral information for 12 listed purposes and b) the benefits of radiographers assessing referrals for 8 possible reasons. The questionnaire was validated using a test–retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to determine associations between using referral information and background variables. Results Total respondents were 279 (n = 233 currently in clinical practice and n = 46 in other positions). The participants in clinical practice ranked high all 12 listed purposes for use of referral information, and all except one received ≥60% ‘frequent’/‘very frequent’ responses. Use for patient identification purposes received the highest score (97% ‘frequently’/‘very frequently’ responses), followed by ensuring imaging of the correct body region (79% ‘very frequently’ responses). Radiographers not currently working in clinical practice ranked the ‘usefulness’ of listed items similarly. Significant associations between frequent use of referral information and education level were not observed, and only three items were significantly associated with modality of practice. All items on benefits of radiographers assessing referrals received ≥75% ‘agree’/‘strongly agree’ scores. The items ranked highest were promotes radiographers’ professional responsibility and improves collaboration with radiologists and referring clinicians, with 72 and 67% strongly agreed responses, respectively. Conclusion Radiographers use referral information frequently for several purposes. The referral information is needed for justifying and optimising radiological procedures, hence crucial for ensuring patient safety and high-quality services. This further emphasis why radiographers perceive several benefits of being involved in assessing the referral information.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

The value of referral information and assessment – a cross sectional study of radiographers’ perceptions

Chilanga

Olerud

Lysdahl

2022

BMC Health Serv Res

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“…In this study, lack of training and of time allocated to referral assessment tasks were reported as organisational hindrances for radiographers’ participation. Training and time allocated for referral assessment tasks improve radiographers’ skills and competencies within the justification process [ 31 , 32 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiographers’ actions and challenges when confronted with inappropriate radiology referrals

2022

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Objectives To explore radiographers’ actions toward inappropriate referrals and hindrances to assessing referrals. Methods An online survey was distributed to radiographers via the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert scale questions on radiographers’ actions to supplement referral information, actions for unjustified referrals and hindrances to referral assessment. The questionnaire was validated using a test–retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥ 0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to compare subgroups. Results Total responses received were 279. The most reported actions to supplement missing referral information were to ask the patient or relative, examine the body region of concern and check medical records (73%, 70%, 67%, responded often/always, respectively). The actions when confronted with unjustified referrals were reported equally to consult the radiologist, referring clinician and radiographer (69–68% often/always responses). The hindering factors ranked high (agreed/strongly agreed responses) pertained to inadequate information in referral forms (83%), ineffective communication among healthcare professionals (79%), lack of training (70%) and allocated time (61%). Statistically significant associations were observed for a few actions and hindrances with education level, modality of practice and responsibility to screen imaging referrals. Conclusion Radiographers consult colleagues about suspected unjustified referrals. Effective communication pathways, training and time allocation to improve radiographers’ skills to assess referrals may enhance appropriate imaging and delivery of quality patient care. Key Points • Radiographers’ actions of supplementing missing information in radiology referrals facilitate provision of high-quality health services. • Radiographers’ strategy when confronted with inappropriate referrals is to consult radiologists and referring clinicians. • Better inter-professional communication and organisation of tasks can facilitate radiographers’ participation in referral assessment to ensure appropriate imaging. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-08470-z.

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“…One study suggested a monetary compensation for the task. 31 Documentation of formal responsibilities arising from the RA role may also benefit the radiographer in future career choices.…”

Section: "If You`re Going To Give This Sort Of Responsibility Make Su...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The use of referral guidelines may likely improve workflow, along with adaptation of suited checklists. 31 Referral guidelines have proven to be of value when routinely used. 2 According to the Royal College of Radiologists, 16 written protocols for departmental justification of common requests with subsequent authorisation should be in place.…”

Section: This"(p5) "… and Then We Look At Papers That Might Have Been...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Workplace factors facilitating the radiographers’ assessment of referrals for diagnostic imaging - A qualitative study

2022

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The pre-CT checklist: A simple tool to improve workflow and patient safety in an outpatient CT setting

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

The value of referral information and assessment – a cross sectional study of radiographers’ perceptions

The value of referral information and assessment – a cross sectional study of radiographers’ perceptions

Radiographers’ actions and challenges when confronted with inappropriate radiology referrals

Workplace factors facilitating the radiographers’ assessment of referrals for diagnostic imaging - A qualitative study

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