Many patients now receive their imaging results via online portals, but there’s evidence a majority aren’t able to understand these reports. A new system promises to overcome that problem, however, and make radiology findings digestible for patients.
Experts from four top universities recently collaborated to create the Information Reporting and Data Systems, or Info-RADS. The tool is comprised of two general messages that can be added to rad reports: (1) a note explaining findings are not concerning; and (2) one indicating results aren’t serious but do require follow-up with the doctor.
It’s a chance for imaging experts to further involve patients in their own care, Nadja Kadom, MD, with Emory University School of Medicine’s radiology division, and colleagues noted Wednesday in JACR.
“As most patients now receive imaging test results … before receiving notifications from their treating physicians, radiologists have an opportunity to help patients understand any implications of the radiologic findings,” Kadom, also director of pediatric neuroradiology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and colleagues added.
Using Info-RADS, the team set out to assess if the system could decrease patient anxiety, increase follow-up calls with provider, and if patients wanted these notes in radiology reports at all.
In total, 200 patient surrogates responded to the 18-question survey; most were men between 20 and 25 years old with a college degree.
Below are quick takeaways from their results:
- An overwhelming majority of respondents said both messages should be included in rad reports, with 87% indicating as much for message 1 and 73% for the second message.
- Anxiety decreased for 68% of respondents when reading message 1, with no association attached to message 2. Higher anxiety levels for the former were associated with younger respondents and having rad report experience, among other traits.
- After reading Info-RADS message 2, 42% of participants reported an increased sense of urgency. This was higher in those who visit doctors, are familiar with imaging reports and work as providers.
- Overall, 22% of patients said they would reach out to their provider after reading a radiology report, regardless of what it contained.
- Upon reading the first message, only 8% indicated they’d follow-up with their doctor. On the flip side, 65% of participants said they would call their provider after the Info-RADS message encouraged them to do so.
Although only about half of patients have access to online portals and use them to view radiology results, the authors believe more institutions will start to notice the benefits of direct patient-provider communication.
“As health systems become aware of patient portal use disparities and work toward increasing patient access and engagement, this limitation could be mitigated,” Kadom et al. concluded. “In the meantime, we have shown a patient-centered approach to messaging that is feasible and effective.”
Read the entire study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.