BACKGROUND: Radiology reports provide specialist interpretation of images and relate these findings to the patient's symptoms and signs. This study compared ultrasound (USS) reports generated by radiologists and sonographers to determine if any significant or clinically relevant differences existed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 624 consecutive USS reports was carried out. The reports were assessed for the presence of a 'disclaimer' or 'caveat' pertaining to the quality of the images and were analysed with respect to the clarity of their wording and ability to answer the clinical request. RESULTS: The majority of sonographer USS reports contained a disclaimer regarding the quality of the USS images (57.1%) compared with a smaller proportion of radiologist scans (9.9%) (P < 0.001). Overall, radiologists performed significantly better in providing a clear negative or positive diagnosis to the clinical question on the request form, when compared with sonographers (88.5% vs. 65.4%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 'Disclaimer' comments and 'hedging' must be avoided in radiology reporting. While feedback as to the accuracy of the radiology images is important, overuse of such terms undermines the validity of the radiology report.
BACKGROUND: Radiology reports provide specialist interpretation of images and relate these findings to the patient's symptoms and signs. This study compared ultrasound (USS) reports generated by radiologists and sonographers to determine if any significant or clinically relevant differences existed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 624 consecutive USS reports was carried out. The reports were assessed for the presence of a 'disclaimer' or 'caveat' pertaining to the quality of the images and were analysed with respect to the clarity of their wording and ability to answer the clinical request. RESULTS: The majority of sonographer USS reports contained a disclaimer regarding the quality of the USS images (57.1%) compared with a smaller proportion of radiologist scans (9.9%) (P < 0.001). Overall, radiologists performed significantly better in providing a clear negative or positive diagnosis to the clinical question on the request form, when compared with sonographers (88.5% vs. 65.4%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 'Disclaimer' comments and 'hedging' must be avoided in radiology reporting. While feedback as to the accuracy of the radiology images is important, overuse of such terms undermines the validity of the radiology report.