Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34989841›Full record

ArticleEuropean radiology2022

Radiographers' actions and challenges when confronted with inappropriate radiology referrals.

Catherine Chilute Chilanga, Hilde Merete Olerud, Kristin Bakke Lysdahl

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in European radiology, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Catherine Chilute ChilangaDepartment of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Pb 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Catherine.Chilanga@usn.no.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3092-2650
Hilde Merete OlerudDepartment of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Pb 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway.
Kristin Bakke LysdahlDepartment of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Pb 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesTo explore radiographers' actions toward inappropriate referrals and hindrances to assessing referrals.

methodsAn online survey was distributed to radiographers via the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert scale questions on radiographers' actions to supplement referral information, actions for unjustified referrals and hindrances to referral assessment. The questionnaire was validated using a test-retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥ 0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to compare subgroups.

resultsTotal responses received were 279. The most reported actions to supplement missing referral information were to ask the patient or relative, examine the body region of concern and check medical records (73%, 70%, 67%, responded often/always, respectively). The actions when confronted with unjustified referrals were reported equally to consult the radiologist, referring clinician and radiographer (69-68% often/always responses). The hindering factors ranked high (agreed/strongly agreed responses) pertained to inadequate information in referral forms (83%), ineffective communication among healthcare professionals (79%), lack of training (70%) and allocated time (61%). Statistically significant associations were observed for a few actions and hindrances with education level, modality of practice and responsibility to screen imaging referrals.

conclusionRadiographers consult colleagues about suspected unjustified referrals. Effective communication pathways, training and time allocation to improve radiographers' skills to assess referrals may enhance appropriate imaging and delivery of quality patient care. KEY POINTS: • Radiographers' actions of supplementing missing information in radiology referrals facilitate provision of high-quality health services. • Radiographers' strategy when confronted with inappropriate referrals is to consult radiologists and referring clinicians. • Better inter-professional communication and organisation of tasks can facilitate radiographers' participation in referral assessment to ensure appropriate imaging.

Indexed as

RadiologyHumansRadiographyRadiologistsReferral and ConsultationReproducibility of ResultsDelivery of health careRadiology department hospitalReferral and consultation

Identifiers

PMID34989841
PMCPMC8732969

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.