Preliminary reporting of emergency plain radiographic examination by the primary physicians in pediatric emergency center: feasibility study and observations

ABSTRACT

In a prospective study, preliminary reading of the plain radiographic films of pediatric emergency patients were compared with the reading of the same radiographs by the pediatric radiologists with the aim of evaluating the efficiency and accuracy of the initial reading by the treating physicians and to assess the effect on the overall patient management. Such readings may help those facilities where services of a qualified Pediatric radiologist are not immediately available. Our analysis indicates that in approximately 72% of patients, both reports are in agreement. However, there was a statistically significant difference in radiological observations in the patient group who had a discordant report [Kappa value=0.05]. Nevertheless, we did not come across any major discrepancy that needed altered management during the study period. Hence we conclude that under circumstances where expert help is not immediately available, primary physicians can be trained to read the plain radiographs without significantly affecting patient management