Document Detail


Do radiologists still need to report chest x rays?
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19581241     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: Chest x rays (CXRs) are among the most difficult radiographs to interpret accurately. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of different grades and specialities of clinicians to evaluate a series of CXRs correctly. METHODS: 60 clinicians of different grades and from different specialities were randomly recruited to interpret 15 CXRs within 30 min. Radiographs included normal (n = 5) and abnormal images of common medical emergencies (n = 10). Non-parametric statistical tests examined for significant differences in the ability of different grades and specialities of doctors to interpret CXRs. RESULTS: Senior doctors (consultants and registrars, n = 32) attained significantly higher scores than junior doctors (senior house officers, foundation 1 and 2 doctors, n = 28, p = 0.001). Specialists (consultants and registrars in radiology and respiratory medicine, n = 7) achieved significantly higher scores than non-specialists (all other consultants and registrars, n = 25, p = 0.0002). In addition, senior radiologists (consultants and registrars) attained significantly higher scores than senior doctors from other specialities (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: To improve patient care, we suggest that all chest x rays should be reviewed at an early stage during a patient's hospital admission by a senior clinician and reported by a radiologist at the earliest opportunity. We also suggest that structured teaching on CXR interpretation should be made available for newly qualified doctors, especially with the introduction of shortened training.
Authors:
P Mehrotra; V Bosemani; J Cox
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Postgraduate medical journal     Volume:  85     ISSN:  1469-0756     ISO Abbreviation:  Postgrad Med J     Publication Date:  2009 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-07-07     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0234135     Medline TA:  Postgrad Med J     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  339-41     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham DH1 5TW, UK. mehr75@doctors.org.uk
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Comment In:
Postgrad Med J. 2009 Jul;85(1005):337-8   [PMID:  19581240 ]

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