Mariam Sofia Aboian MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Marcel Brus-Ramer MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Allison Anne Tillack PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mark Daniel Mamlouk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Andrew Marcovici MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

We hypothesized that the physical proximity of a radiologist to the treating providers in the ED would improve communication between radiologists and treating providers, and thus possibly improve care.

The radiology resident on-call reading room at our university hospital was recently moved to the ED. Approximately 6 months later, the impact of this move was assessed via an IRB approved, HIPPA compliant survey [Figure 1] among ED faculty and residents (“providers”) after each in-person encounter with the on-call radiology resident.

27 surveys were completed during the study period. Direct in-person communication with radiology residents on-call was reported as “very important” (14/27) or “important” (11/27) for managing patients in the ED. 48% of providers stated they preferred to consult with a radiologist in-person for only their most difficult patients. In-person interaction was presumed to affect patient care, with 20/27 of the responders reporting that key information was communicated to the radiologist about the patient’s clinical history that would otherwise not have been communicated. In addition, 22/27 of the responders felt that they understood the imaging results better after the discussion as opposed to reading a “wet read” written report. Improved patient care due to direct communication was reported by 21/27 of the ED provider responders.  

In-person communication between radiologists and ED providers was reported to be “important” or “very important” in 92% of cases, and was most often sought out by ED providers in perceived difficult cases. Critical history was provided to the radiologist that would not otherwise be communicated in 74% of surveyed encounters. Imaging findings were better understood by the ED providers in 81% of the encounters and there was improvement in patient care from the perspective of the majority of ED providers.

In-person communication between ED providers and radiologists facilitates information sharing and thus may improve patient care in settings that require rapid communication.

Aboian, M, Brus-Ramer, M, Tillack, A, Mamlouk, M, Marcovici, P, In-person Communication with a Radiologist in the Emergency Department Results in Improved Two-way Communication of Information, and May Improve Patient Care.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14004521.html