PURPOSE: Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluated the impact of a radiographer image-reading service supporting a minor injuries unit in a UK emergency department. METHODS: Quantitative analysis included a review of key performance indicators before and after implementation of the service and an audit of the radiographers' sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Qualitative analysis involved interviews with emergency department staff. RESULTS: Quantitative: Radiographers read 3778 images during the study period, representing 76.4% of the images that radiographers are qualified to read in the United Kingdom. The number of images read improved from 39.7% (preimplementation) to 80.4% (postimplementation). Timeliness of image reading improved from a preimplementation mean of 10.23 days (SD 7.65) to a postimplementation mean of 5.62 days (SD 4.27). The audit of image-reading radiographers' performance demonstrated a sensitivity of 92.7%, specificity of 99.1% and accuracy of 97%. Qualitative: Emergency department staff valued the input from image-reading radiographers in various ways. For example, the radiographer reading service improved patient management, enhanced the image appreciation skills of nurse practitioners and a physical therapist and improved the working relationship between these advanced practitioners and radiographers. CONCLUSION: The image-reading radiographer service has increased the number of radiographic images read, improved report turnaround times and had positive effects on both patient management and the multidisciplinary health care team.
PURPOSE: Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluated the impact of a radiographer image-reading service supporting a minor injuries unit in a UK emergency department. METHODS: Quantitative analysis included a review of key performance indicators before and after implementation of the service and an audit of the radiographers' sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Qualitative analysis involved interviews with emergency department staff. RESULTS: Quantitative: Radiographers read 3778 images during the study period, representing 76.4% of the images that radiographers are qualified to read in the United Kingdom. The number of images read improved from 39.7% (preimplementation) to 80.4% (postimplementation). Timeliness of image reading improved from a preimplementation mean of 10.23 days (SD 7.65) to a postimplementation mean of 5.62 days (SD 4.27). The audit of image-reading radiographers' performance demonstrated a sensitivity of 92.7%, specificity of 99.1% and accuracy of 97%. Qualitative: Emergency department staff valued the input from image-reading radiographers in various ways. For example, the radiographer reading service improved patient management, enhanced the image appreciation skills of nurse practitioners and a physical therapist and improved the working relationship between these advanced practitioners and radiographers. CONCLUSION: The image-reading radiographer service has increased the number of radiographic images read, improved report turnaround times and had positive effects on both patient management and the multidisciplinary health care team.