ArticleCureus2025
Inclusion of Diagnostic Imaging in Orthopaedic Discharge Summaries: A Quality Improvement Project.
Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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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.
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundIncomplete documentation of diagnostic imaging in discharge summaries is a recognised patient safety risk, particularly in orthopaedics, where radiological findings often guide management. Omission of imaging results can lead to duplicated investigations, delayed recognition of complications, and missed follow‑up. This audit evaluated the quality of imaging documentation in elective orthopaedic discharge summaries and assessed the impact of a targeted intervention.
aimTo improve the inclusion of diagnostic imaging results on discharge summaries for elective orthopaedic inpatients.
methodsA retrospective clinical audit with a re‑audit cycle was conducted on the elective orthopaedic ward at University College London Hospitals. The first cycle (1
resultsIn the first cycle, none of the 144 eligible discharge summaries (0%) documented imaging results. Following ward doctor education and the introduction of the structured template with a mandatory "diagnostic imaging" section, compliance improved to 93%.
conclusionEmbedding a dedicated diagnostic imaging section within discharge summaries eliminated omissions and ensured consistent communication of radiological findings. This simple, speciality-specific intervention directly addressed a critical documentation gap in orthopaedics and represents a scalable, evidence‑based strategy to strengthen clinical handover and improve patient safety.
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