Samer Dabbo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mostafa Atri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine patients’ understanding of the role and educational background of professionals performing emergency ultrasound (ERUS).  

This was a prospective IRB approved study where adult patients referred for ERUS to radiology department after-hours (5pm-8am and weekends) were approached to complete a one-page questionnaire following their ultrasound examination. Questionnaire focused on the professional responsible for interpreting examinations and their education. A non-random sampling approach was used in recruitment of patients based on patient’s condition (i.e. only medically stable patients were approached). All examinations were performed by a sonographer and some patients were reexamined by a resident or staff radiologist. All accrued patients signed a consent.

271 surveys were completed with 68% of respondents being female. Patients’ age ranged from 18-76 years old (median 34 y.o). 76% of patients had a college degree. Patients identified the following health care providers as responsible for interpreting the images of their scan: radiologists (51%), emergency doctor (40%), family doctor (7%) and nurse (2%). Patients identified the following health care providers as most qualified for interpreting the images of their scan: radiologists (39%), emergency doctor (33%), family doctor (24%) and nurse (4%). The majority of patients (76%) recognized radiologists as medical doctors. Patient understood the role of the radiologist as the following: interpret the scan (51%), perform the scan (40%), consultant to your doctor (36%) and organize the scan (22%). The majority of patients (72%) wanted to speak directly with the individual who interpreted the images of their scan. There was no statistically significant association between gender, age or education level with respect to willingness to speak directly with the individual who interpreted the images (p>0.05).

The majority of patients recognize radiologists as medical doctor who primarily responsible for interpretation of the examination. In addition, the majority would prefer to speak directly with the individual who interprets their scan.

Emergency room patients prefer to speak directly with individuals who interpret their ultrasound exam. The implications of this study may be to shift the paradigm towards a more visible role for radiologists.

Dabbo, S, Atri, M, Identifying Emergency Room Patients’ Understanding of Health Care Personnel Responsible for Interpreting their Ultrasound Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14009792.html