X-ray reporting in accident and emergency departments--an area for improvements in efficiency

Arch Emerg Med. 1991 Dec;8(4):266-70. doi: 10.1136/emj.8.4.266.

Abstract

All Accident and Emergency departments in England seeing more than 20,000 new patients each year were surveyed for the extent and mechanism of their radiological reporting service. A total of 190 of the 210 departments replied, 39% of these departments were not satisfied with the service available to them. A 'hot' reporting service was available in 2.6% of departments and 49% did not have films reported in under 48 h. The methods used to detect radiological abnormalities missed by the A&E doctor were investigated further. A total of 60% of departments had a traditional reporting system but 29% had introduced systems that required the A&E doctor to include his or her radiological diagnosis with the films prior to their being returned to the X-ray department for reporting. This allowed rapid audit of radiological assessment. Its introduction to all A&E departments is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / statistics & numerical data
  • Efficiency*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • England
  • Humans
  • Interdepartmental Relations
  • Radiology Department, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Radiology Department, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Radiology Information Systems