A N Murphy1, N P Sheehy2, P V Kavanagh3. 1. Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. Electronic address: alexandramurphy@mater.ie. 2. Department of Radiology, St. James's Hospital, James's street, Dublin 8, Ireland. 3. Department of Radiology, Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, Ireland.
Abstract
AIM: To describe and quantify the range of non-interpretive tasks engaged in by consultant radiologists in Ireland today. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiple-choice electronic survey was circulated to over 200 Irish consultant radiologists and results were analysed. RESULTS: Responses were received from approximately 40% of the 267 full-time equivalent consultants in Ireland at the time of the survey. There was a wide sub-specialty mix, and responses from both clinical directors and those without designated administrative responsibility. Overall, the three most time-consuming activities were reported to be multidisciplinary meetings, vetting, and informal consultations. Non-interpretive tasks were estimated to account for 35% of the working week, with higher figures (up to 60%) for clinical directors. CONCLUSION: Consultant radiologists in Ireland spend a significant proportion of their time engaged in non-interpretive radiology; acknowledgement and scheduling of non-interpretive tasks will need to be supported by appropriate workforce planning. Non-interpretive skills will also need to be addressed during training to adequately prepare trainees for the reality of the workplace.
AIM: To describe and quantify the range of non-interpretive tasks engaged in by consultant radiologists in Ireland today. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiple-choice electronic survey was circulated to over 200 Irish consultant radiologists and results were analysed. RESULTS: Responses were received from approximately 40% of the 267 full-time equivalent consultants in Ireland at the time of the survey. There was a wide sub-specialty mix, and responses from both clinical directors and those without designated administrative responsibility. Overall, the three most time-consuming activities were reported to be multidisciplinary meetings, vetting, and informal consultations. Non-interpretive tasks were estimated to account for 35% of the working week, with higher figures (up to 60%) for clinical directors. CONCLUSION: Consultant radiologists in Ireland spend a significant proportion of their time engaged in non-interpretive radiology; acknowledgement and scheduling of non-interpretive tasks will need to be supported by appropriate workforce planning. Non-interpretive skills will also need to be addressed during training to adequately prepare trainees for the reality of the workplace.