Simple changes to the reporting environment produce a large reduction in the frequency of interruptions to the reporting radiologist: an observational study.
Acta Radiol
; 64(5): 1873-1879, 2023 May.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36437570
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Interruptions are a cause of discrepancy, errors, and potential safety incidents in radiology. The sources of radiological error are multifactorial and strategies to reduce error should include measures to reduce interruptions.PURPOSE:
To evaluate the effect of simple changes in the reporting environment on the frequency of interruptions to the reporting radiologist of a hospital radiology department. MATERIAL ANDMETHODS:
A prospective observational study was carried out. The number and type of potentially disruptive events (PDEs) to the radiologist reporting inpatient computed tomography (CT) scans were recorded during 20 separate 1-h observation periods during both pre- and post-intervention phases. The interventions were (i) relocation of the radiologist to a private, quiet room, and (ii) initial vetting of clinician enquiries via a separate duty radiologist.RESULTS:
After the intervention there was an 82% reduction in the number of frank interruptions (PDEs that require the radiologist to abandon the reporting task) from a median 6 events per hour to 1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4-6; P < 0.00001). The overall number of PDEs was reduced by 56% from a median 11 events per hour to 5 (95% CI = 4.5-11 P < 0.00001).CONCLUSION:
Relocation of inpatient CT reporting to a private, quiet room, coupled with vetting of clinician enquiries via the duty radiologist, resulted in a large reduction in the frequency of interruptions, a frequently cited avoidable source of radiological error.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Radiología
/
Radiólogos
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Radiol
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido