Heike Lorch MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate and compare expectations of patients and referring physicians regarding communication of diagnostic radiographic results.

A survey using a written questionnaire was performed in 594 consecutive patients (47 % male, 53 % female; average age 49,6 y ± 17,2 y) undergoing diagnostic CT or MRI procedures at three different ambulatory sites. Another questionnaire was sent to 149 non-radiologist referring physicians with ambulatory practice (rate of returns 32,2 %).

47,8 % of patients prefer to learn the result of the diagnostic procedure primarily from the radiologist, 34,2 % from the referring physician and 17,3 % from both. 75,1 % of patients expect to be told their diagnosis within 30 minutes, 92,4 % within 60 minutes after the examination. 12,2 % of the physicians want to receive the report at the day of the examination, 38,8 % at the following day. 71,9 % of patients expect a therapeutic recommendation by the radiologist. In contrast, 59,2 % of the referring physicians want that the diagnosis, but therapeutic recommendations only in special cases are discussed with the patient by the radiologist.

Expectations of patients about the communication of results and therapeutic consequences of diagnostic procedures are high. Timely reporting of results of diagnostic procedures to physicians is particularly important. Conflicting expectations regarding communication of test results between patients and referring doctors are frequent. Improved communication between the radiologist, the referring physician as well as the patient may be crucial in helping to solve this dilemma.

Lorch, H, Communication of Diagnostic Radiographic Results: Expectations of Patients and Referring Physicians.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4413038.html