Enhancing Radiology Communication: Comparative Evaluation Of Structured Versus Conventional Reporting In Body Ct Imaging

Abstract

This was done in order to determine the effectiveness of structured radiology reporting as opposed to traditional free-text reporting in improving clarity, content satisfaction and overall clinical reporting. Radiology reports (chest, abdominal, and pelvic CT reports, 100 reports, in total) were examined in a mixed-effects model to determine the score of clarity and Perceived Overall Clinical Satisfaction (POCS). Structured reports showed much more clarity and content satisfaction with a mean score of 9.36 and 9.61, respectively, as opposed to conventional reporting. Structured formats were preferred by radiologists and referring physicians, of which the latter was more inclined to use it because of the need to obtain detailed written information. Although, structured reporting enhanced the level of clarity and variability was lower, POCS grades showed no statistically significant difference, meaning that there was insufficient direct influence on clinical decision-making. Such findings indicate that structured reporting improves the quality of reports and communication but needs further improvement and connection with PACS systems to become widespread.