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On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams, study suggests

Date:
November 25, 2009
Source:
American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society
Summary:
On-call radiology residents generally provide accurate preliminary interpretation of emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours when attending neuroradiologist unavailable, according to results of a large study performed at a level I trauma center.
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On-call radiology residents generally provide accurate preliminary interpretation of emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours when attending neuroradiologist unavailable, according to results of a large study performed at a level I trauma center published in the December issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR).

The accuracy of image interpretation is the most essential element of diagnostic radiology. In most training programs, radiology residents provide preliminary interpretation of studies done outside of regular hours and on weekends when the attending neuroradiologist is not available. Referring clinicians, mostly emergency department (ED) physicians, trauma surgeons, and neurosurgeons, make treatment decisions and depend solely on the preliminary interpretation by on-call residents.

A quality assurance (QA) database of neuroradiology CT examinations was reviewed to compare preliminary interpretations by on-call residents with final analyses by attending neuroradiologists during a 12-month period. "Out of 6852 cases reviewed, there were 252 with disagreements," said Asako Miyakoshi, M.D., lead author of the study. "Of those, 226 were confirmed as resident errors, which included 171 that were significant. Among the 171 significant cases, 105 had no change in clinical management and 55 required some change," said Miyakoshi.

"Significant misses and misinterpretations may result in delayed diagnosis, changed management, require additional tests, adversely affect patient outcomes or cause prolonged hospital stay," she said.

"Although the results of our study were positive, continued monitoring of the residents' performances is important to maintain or improve patient safety," said Miyakoshi.


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Materials provided by American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society. "On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams, study suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 November 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125081616.htm>.
American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society. (2009, November 25). On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125081616.htm
American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society. "On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams, study suggests." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125081616.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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