iRADiX

What is that Clinicians want or rather expect from radiology reports?

In good old days Radiology Practice means nothing but interpreting the x-rays ordered by the clinicians.

All that clinician wanted to know was whether there is TB in the x ray chest, whether any duodenal/gastric ulcer in the barium meal studies, or any fracture of bones etc.The life of the Radiologists was very simple and care free ( without much responsibility )  in those days and no surprise…. no takers for Radiology Postgraduate seats. Anybody, did radiology PG in those days is not out of Love of the specialty but due to helplessness, and I remember People with MD in radiology settled happily in General Practice, since they just wanted MD tag

From 70’s onwards,   things have changed and Radiology advanced rapidly and radiologist started playing a role along with the clinicians in patient management and even earned respect as “clinician’s clinician”

Time and again it was stressed about the importance of a proper language to be used whether in

Radiology practices (radiology report) or be  in Clinical practice (Clinical diagnosis as mentioned

In the requisition form by clinicians)

Ultimately the aim is to have a proper language communication so that patient is benefited and region of interest is thoroughly assessed.

Are Abbreviations and Acronyms a must?? I always wonder.

Does not it remind you of a quiz program?

It may be a time saving formula for one party …. However it is likely to be a time consuming for the other party concerned.

Our great musician Naushad (now late Naushad) fell sick and was admitted to King Fahad University Hospital in Saudi Arabia where he had gone to perform Umrah. I along with a skin specialist went to see him. There an Indian doctor asked the skin specialist, "How many Indian doctors are there in your center?" And the reply was we are four consultants, one Radiologist and a Pathologist. He did not show the courtesy of introducing me to him that he is our Radiologist. I felt more sick than Naushad.

I do have a feeling that since we are not writing prescriptions the clinicians do not consider us any where near them as far as profession is considered and so when I read Dr. Bhavin Jankharia's editorial in IJRI August 2008 issue where he says "we must subspecialize and be able to speak the same language as our clinical colleagues". I was elated. I feel like beating the clinicians on their own turf.

While a resident you are well protected by an armour of your professor, other departmental consultants and your colleagues. You are doing every thing automatically, almost in a carefree manner unmindful of any untoward events which may startle you at times when you are totally unprepared. When you leave this environment, join some hospital or a private practice you are on your own. Totally vulnerable, you imagine contrast reactions occurring, getting sued for wrong reports and derogatory comments of your rivals in the profession.