ABSTRACT
In summary, the data suggest that the traditional role of the radiologist as an expert consultant who provides an accurate written report is still the dominant perception. This study emphasizes the importance of development of communication skills and communication standards, with particular emphasis on written data as the single most important factor in keeping a strong clinician referral base.
Subject(s)
Radiology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Attitude of Health Personnel , Humans , Medical Records/standards , Midwestern United States , Physicians/psychology , Radiology Department, Hospital/standards , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Open-ended interviews with 107 patients documented specific patient expectations of radiologic procedures during which there was no direct radiologist-patient interaction. Patient expectations could be classified into those related to the facility and those related to interactions with radiology staff. Among facility-related expectations, waiting time far outweighed all other concerns. Interpersonal skills were the predominant expectation of radiology staff. The role of the radiologist in fulfilling patient expectations was less clear. Only 10% of unprompted patients cited the radiologist as a factor in their expectations. When patients were specifically prompted to discuss the radiologist's role, communication skills, accuracy of interpretation, and interpersonal skills were the predominant concerns.
