Radiographer reports: Comparison Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Image interpretation of the General Practitioner referred radiograph: A comparison of radiographer and radiologist reports
IRAS ID
161202
Contact name
Rebecca Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 12 days
Research summary
This study will look to assess if there is a difference in performance when measuring the accuracy of General Practitioner (GP) plain film reports produced by radiographers compared to consultant radiologists. There are a number of published studies assessing the performance of plain film reporting radiographers and the majority have concluded they interpret images at a comparable level to radiologist. However these studies are mostly conducted in the trauma setting only, as this is where the role was first introduced and is now well established in many UK hospitals.
There are twelve reporting radiographers in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB)that participate in the reporting of accident and emergency examinations. Radiology has recently extended the radiographer reporting role to include not only trauma patients but a limited range of General Practitioner patients. Seven of the twelve radiographers have undergone a short period of in-house training to be able to report the GP examinations.
GP reporting represents a major and significant change in practice. Currently accident and emergency radiographs are immediately reviewed by the referring clincian/practitioner and will be followed up with an official report from the radiographer within a 24hr-48hr period. The only practitioner to review the GP radiograph will be the reporting radiographer therefore it is essential the reports are accurate and meet the GP's needs.
All twelve radiographers will be invited to report on a selection of GP exminations over three reporting sessions consisting of 35 films in each. Their written reports will be compared to the original official radiologist report and assessed for accuracy.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
14/WA/1099
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion