The researchers consulted an ED quality assurance database that detailed all radiology discrepancies that occurred between emergency physicians and the radiology department from June 1996 to May 2005. During this time period, the ED ordered 151,693 radiographs.
Results showed that approximately 3 percent of radiographs interpreted by emergency physicians are given a different interpretation by the radiology attending. The most commonly missed findings include fractures, dislocations, air-space disease and pulmonary nodes. Researchers suggest continuing education to reduce the incidence of radiology discrepancies.
Read the news report about radiology in EDs.
Read other coverage about emergency medicine:
– Rapid Medical Screening Process Improves Patient Flow in EDs
– Statistics on Median Compensation for 10 Specialties Based on Setting
– Vanderbilt Research Team Studies Robots in EDs
