Referring providers share preferences for radiology report templates
New research suggests that there might not be a straightforward answer to questions related to which type of reporting method is ideal.
Recent work in Academic Radiology indicates that referring providers have mixed opinions on preferred reporting templates. The majority (63%) prefer a blended report that is structured but also includes narrative elements, according to a survey of hundreds of referring physicians.
“The need to communicate diagnostic findings effectively and succinctly to providers and patients is paramount,” Bridget Kowalczyk, MD, from the Department of Radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and co-authors wrote. “Despite the need for clear communication, reporting styles and preferences between radiology departments can vary across the country, let alone among radiologists within the same practice.”
The team surveyed nearly 500 referring providers to learn more about their opinions regarding radiology report templates. Participants were asked to rank the three reports (blended, narrative and highly templated) on appearance, formatting, level of detail and overall preference.
Blended reports that include elements of multiple styles of reporting—structured and narrative—were preferred by the most physicians, at 62.5%, and also received the highest satisfaction scores for appearance. Narrative reports and highly templated reports followed behind, at 18.9% and 18.7%.
The majority of providers favored reports that contained information on radiation doses and literature citations they could reference if needed. Preferences did not vary based on provider specialty or practice settings.
Incorporating structured templates with additional detailed information would be the ideal method, the study indicated. Structured reporting comes with numerous documented benefits, including consistency, clarity, improved communication and efficiency, but it also has the potential to improve reimbursement processes, which should be taken into consideration when deciding which reporting method works best, the authors suggested.
“With proper understanding of reimbursement models and quality reporting initiatives, radiologists can leverage structured reporting for potential financial benefits in an efficient and consistent manner.” the group wrote.
The authors noted that the participants did not include the opinions of radiologists or patients but advised that future research into optimal reporting methods include their insight.
“As medicine continues to transition toward patient-centered and collaborative care, radiology reporting must simultaneously adjust to these circumstances, especially since radiologists utilize complex terminology, which does not align with the average reading level of American patients,” the authors suggested, adding that doing so would help further inform reporting templates.
Learn more about the study findings here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.