Original Article
Optimizing communication between the radiologist and the general practitioner
Authors:
LBO Jans ,
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium, BE
JML Bosmans,
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium, BE
KL Verstraete,
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium, BE
R Achten
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium, BE
Abstract
Adequate communication between radiologist and referring general practitioner (GP) is mandatory in a good practice clinical setting.
Several hurdles may interfere with good communication. Inappropriate imaging requests or incomplete clinical details conveyed to the radiologist may result in inappropriate imaging and interpretation. GPs may find the radiology report confusing or may feel it takes too much time to receive the reports. Communication issues may dissatisfy GPs and make them look for alternative providers for imaging referrals.
In the digital era, electronic radiology request forms, digital access for the GP to radiology images and reports and networks centralizing patient data may all help to improve communication between radiologist and GP.
In this paper we outline practical ways of improving this communication.
How to Cite:
Jans L, Bosmans J, Verstraete K, Achten R. Optimizing communication between the radiologist and the general practitioner. Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology. 2013;96(6):388–90. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/jbr-btr.472
Published on
01 Nov 2013.
Peer Reviewed
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