Toward Improved Radiology Reporting Practices in the Emergency Department: A Survey of Emergency Department Physicians

Purpose: Improving reporting practices in the emergency department (ED) is important for optimized patient care. However, the preferences and opinions of ED physicians regarding many reporting practices are not well-known. Thus, we surveyed ED physicians to better understand their expectations and attitudes in regards to both traditional, non-routine, and non-traditional reporting practices. Materials and Methods: An online survey was distributed to all 41 ED physicians at our institution and responses were collected confidentially. Results: There was a 93% response rate (N=38). The majority of respondents were satisfied with radiology reporting, the language used in reports, their ability to contact a radiologist, and recommendations in the report. Turn-around times were cited as the most significant problem with radiology reporting. A turn-around time of within 60 minutes was found to be appropriate for all imaging modalities. 92% of respondents felt that the ordering physician, rather than the radiologist, should deliver the results of an examination. ED physicians were divided about whether the standard report or a phone call was necessary for a variety of potentially urgent diagnoses. 74% of respondents feel medico-legally obligated by radiologist recommendations; although, this appears to be influenced by both the wording and location of the recommendation in the report. Conclusions: ED physicians were generally satisfied with most aspects of radiology reporting although room for improvement exists, particularly in turnaround times. ED physicians prefer to deliver the results of examinations themselves, feel medico-legally obligated by recommendations in the report, and have varied opinions regarding non-routine communication for potentially urgent diagnoses.