Jorg T, Halfmann MC, Arnhold G, Pinto Dos Santos D, Kloeckner R, Düber C, Mildenberger P, Jungmann F, Müller L. Implementation of structured reporting in clinical routine: a review of 7 years of institutional experience.
Insights Imaging 2023;
14:61. [PMID:
37037963 PMCID:
PMC10086081 DOI:
10.1186/s13244-023-01408-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the implementation process of structured reporting (SR) in a tertiary care institution over a period of 7 years.
METHODS
We analysed the content of our image database from January 2016 to December 2022 and compared the numbers of structured reports and free-text reports. For the ten most common SR templates, usage proportions were calculated on a quarterly basis. Annual modality-specific SR usage was calculated for ultrasound, CT, and MRI. During the implementation process, we surveyed radiologists and clinical referring physicians concerning their views on reporting in radiology.
RESULTS
As of December 2022, our reporting platform contained more than 22,000 structured reports. Use of the ten most common SR templates increased markedly since their implementation, leading to a mean SR usage of 77% in Q4 2022. The highest percentages of SR usage were shown for trauma CT, focussed assessment with ultrasound for trauma (FAST), and prostate MRI: 97%, 95%, and 92%, respectively, in 2022. Overall modality-specific SR usage was 17% for ultrasound, 13% for CT, and 6% for MRI in 2022. Both radiologists and referring physicians were more satisfied with structured reports and rated SR better than free-text reporting (FTR) on various attributes.
CONCLUSIONS
The increasing SR usage during the period under review and the positive attitude towards SR among both radiologists and clinical referrers show that SR can be successfully implemented. We therefore encourage others to take this step in order to benefit from the advantages of SR.
KEY POINTS
1. Structured reporting usage increased markedly since its implementation at our institution in 2016. 2. Mean usage for the ten most popular structured reporting templates was 77% in 2022. 3. Both radiologists and referring physicians preferred structured reports over free-text reports. 4. Our data shows that structured reporting can be successfully implemented. 5. We strongly encourage others to implement structured reporting at their institutions.
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