OBJECTIVE: To describe a skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool and assess physician attitudes toward this reporting approach. BACKGROUND: Narrative skeletal survey reports are highly variable and prone to inconsistencies with potential adverse impact on patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prototype skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool was developed and introduced into clinical practice at a large urban children's hospital. Pediatric radiologists and child protection team (CPT) pediatricians completed a survey of reporting preferences. Skeletal survey reports between March 1, 2013, and March 1, 2014, were reviewed to assess use of the tool. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 70% (14/20) for radiologists and 100% (4/4) for CPT pediatricians. Among responding radiologists, 54.5% (6/11) indicated that a skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool was helpful for skeletal surveys with >3 fractures; 80% (8/10) of responding radiologists indicated that tabulated data from prior skeletal survey was helpful when interpreting a follow-up skeletal survey with >3 fractures; 90.9% (10/11) of radiologists thought the tool improved report organization; 72.7% (8/11) thought it improved accuracy. Most radiologists (11/12, 91.7%) and 100% (4/4) of CPT clinicians preferred reports with both free text and a tabulated fracture list for testifying in court when >3 fractures were present. The tool was used in the reporting of 14/23 (61%) skeletal surveys with >3 fractures during a 1-year period. A case example using the application is presented. CONCLUSION: Most radiologists and CPT physicians at our center prefer skeletal survey reports with tabulated data and narrative description; 91.7% (11/12) of radiologists and all CPT clinicians prefer this approach for testifying in court when >3 fractures are present.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool and assess physician attitudes toward this reporting approach. BACKGROUND: Narrative skeletal survey reports are highly variable and prone to inconsistencies with potential adverse impact on patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prototype skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool was developed and introduced into clinical practice at a large urban children's hospital. Pediatric radiologists and child protection team (CPT) pediatricians completed a survey of reporting preferences. Skeletal survey reports between March 1, 2013, and March 1, 2014, were reviewed to assess use of the tool. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 70% (14/20) for radiologists and 100% (4/4) for CPT pediatricians. Among responding radiologists, 54.5% (6/11) indicated that a skeletal survey data entry and compilation tool was helpful for skeletal surveys with >3 fractures; 80% (8/10) of responding radiologists indicated that tabulated data from prior skeletal survey was helpful when interpreting a follow-up skeletal survey with >3 fractures; 90.9% (10/11) of radiologists thought the tool improved report organization; 72.7% (8/11) thought it improved accuracy. Most radiologists (11/12, 91.7%) and 100% (4/4) of CPT clinicians preferred reports with both free text and a tabulated fracture list for testifying in court when >3 fractures were present. The tool was used in the reporting of 14/23 (61%) skeletal surveys with >3 fractures during a 1-year period. A case example using the application is presented. CONCLUSION: Most radiologists and CPT physicians at our center prefer skeletal survey reports with tabulated data and narrative description; 91.7% (11/12) of radiologists and all CPT clinicians prefer this approach for testifying in court when >3 fractures are present.
Authors: James S Meyer; Richard Gunderman; Brian D Coley; Dorothy Bulas; Matthew Garber; Boaz Karmazyn; Marc S Keller; Abhaya V Kulkarni; Sarah S Milla; John S Myseros; Charles Paidas; Peter D Pizzutillo; Daniel J Podberesky; Jeffrey Scott Prince; John Ragheb Journal: J Am Coll Radiol Date: 2011-02 Impact factor: 5.532