Jay Kumar Pahade MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Payal H. Patel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Corey Alexander Couto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bettina Siewert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Max Paul Rosen MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Perceptive Informatics, Inc Stockholder, Anvita Inc

To determine patient knowledge of the role of the radiologist and assess patient preferences on receiving radiology exam results and reviewing their images/findings directly with a radiologist after exam completion.

A prospective, non-randomized IRB approved HIPAA compliant survey study was completed between 12-2010 and 3-2011. English speaking adult out-patients undergoing either CT of the torso, CT abdomen/pelvis, or non-obstetrical / non-vascular ultrasound examinations were eligible. A survey assessing: 1) Patient preferences of result communication 2) Prior radiology experiences/knowledge of a radiologist and 3) Anxiety level prior to, and after, direct radiologist-patient consultation by one of three investigators. Delay between exam completion and duration of consultation were recorded.

Seventy-six patients (40 male, mean age 52.7) enrolled (27 CT and 49 ultrasound exams). Only 43/76 (56%) correctly identified a radiologist as a physician who interprets imaging. 65/76 (86%) and 68/76 (89%) indicated preference to hear results of exam from both ordering provider and radiologist prior to, and after, consultation respectively (p<0.05). Prior to consultation 74/76 (97%) indicated they would be comfortable hearing normal or abnormal results from the person interpreting exam which increased to 76/76 (100%) after consultation (p<0.05). Following consultation, 75/76 (99%) agreed that reviewing their exam with a radiologist was helpful and 75/76 (99%) reported a desire to always review or have the option to review future exams with a radiologist. Reported anxiety decreased in 37/76 (49%), increased in 10/76 (13%) and remained the same in 29/76 (38%) (p=0.0001) following consultation. Combined average wait and consultation time was 19 minutes (SD 7.7) for CT examinations and 8.2 (SD 5.1) minutes for ultrasound.  

Patients prefer hearing radiology exam results from both their ordering provider and interpreting radiologist, with majority of patients finding direct radiologist-patient consultation helpful/beneficial. Patients are comfortable in hearing both normal and abnormal results directly from the radiologist with a statistically significant decrease in their level of anxiety after consultation.  

Patients found direct radiologist consultation helpful and are comfortable hearing both normal or abnormal results with a resultant decrease in anxiety after consultation.

Pahade, J, Patel, P, Couto, C, Siewert, B, Rosen, M, Reviewing Imaging Examination Results Immediately after Study Completion with a Radiologist: Patient Preferences and Assessment of Feasibility.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11003053.html