Discrepant Reporting Style Preferences Between Clinicians and Radiologists

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: To compare preferences in reporting styles between radiologists and clinicians in structured vs unstructured reporting styles in order to facilitate better communication.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to 5280 clinicians, radiologists, and physicians in training surveying respondent preference for three different reporting styles: expanded structured, minimized structured, and unstructured.

Results: A 7.5% response rate was achieved. Overall, the expanded structured reporting style was the most preferred (47%, 186/394). This contrasted with radiologists who preferred the unstructured reporting style (41%), whereas nonradiologists preferred the expanded structured reporting style (51%; P < 0.001). There was significance in emergency medicine physicians preferring the minimized structured reporting style (51%, 27/43), whereas all other specialties preferred the expanded structured report (49%, 168/341; P = 0.0038).

Discussion: There is a discrepant reporting style preference between clinicians and radiologists. A structured reporting style with expanded standard statements is preferred by most physicians. Radiologists could consider using a structured reporting style with minimized normal statements in the emergency room setting.