The radiological report... and then what?

The radiology report has always been considered as "the most important step in the clinical radiological act". While agreeing with this concept, the author emphasises that the report can in no way replace the duty to communicate with the patient, as mentioned in Art. 31, Italian Code of Medical Ethics. Italy aside, this issue has been thoroughly investigated and debated abroad since the 1970s and, in the past as well as more recently, many interesting contributions have been published both on the need for verbal communication, particularly in certain settings, and on the best manner to approach this task. A recent book published in Italy also provides useful advice in this regard. The author hopes that in Italy, as in other countries, an extensive debate will give rise to a fuller awareness of the issue, thereby providing a range of shared solutions.