| This dissertation is based on five papers on the communication between radiologists and referring physicians. Chapter 1 contains a short history of research on the radiology report. In Chapter 2 describes an audit of radiology reports in Antwerp University Hospital (Flanders, Belgium). The audit would become a pilot study for the rest of this doctoral research. Chapter 3 is a report of research into the variation in content, form and length of abdominal CT reports in eight hospitals in The Netherlands and Flanders. Chapter 4 presents the results of two bi-national surveys on the radiology report, COVER (referring clinicians) and ROVER (radiologists). The results show that some of the preferences of these doctors diverge fundamentally from the way radiology is practiced and taught today. Chapter 5 contains an overview and analysis of spontaneous suggestions by referring clinicians to improve the quality of the report. In Chapter 6 results are presented of a focus group meeting of radiology professionals from 8 countries on structured reporting. Structured reporting offers radiologists opportunities to improve their service to other stakeholders but for many radiologists, traditional ways of reporting have high emotional value. If radiologists can be convinced of the advantages of structured reporting and the potential risks of having to accept it without their active participation, they will take a positive stand. Chapter 7 compares the results of this doctoral research are to studies by other authors, offers an overview of past and ongoing projects and tries to determine what the future might bring. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
