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https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/665
Title: | Are Radiology request forms adequately filled in? : an audit assessing local practice |
Authors: | Depasquale, Ruben Crockford, Malcolm P. |
Keywords: | Communication in medicine -- Audit Radiology, Medical -- Malta Radiology, Medical -- Medical protocols |
Issue Date: | 2005 |
Publisher: | Malta Medical Journal |
Citation: | Malta Medical Journal. 2005, Vol.17(4), p. 36-38 |
Abstract: | Background: Radiology request forms are essential communication tools used by doctors referring patients for radiological investigations. Their importance, however, is highly underestimated. We set out to perform a process audit of the adequacy of completion of such request forms in St. Luke's Hospital, Malta. Methods: A representative sample of 200 randomly selected request forms received by the radiology department in early September 2004 was reviewed. These included requests for a variety of examinations from different departments within St. Luke's Hospital. A database of the collected forms was created, noting which of the various fields were adequately completed. Results: Only 4% of the 200 request forms reviewed were completed in full. The percentages of the various fields completed were: patient's name and surname - 100%; patient's full address - 77%; patient's age - 29%; referring ward - 95%; referring doctor's signature - 100%; referring doctor's name and surname - 34%; name of responsible consultant - 91%; question to be answered - 25%. The patient's clinical background field was filled in 93%. However, these were more often than not incomplete and unable to fulfil their purpose. Conclusions: There is ample room for change in current local practice. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/665 |
Appears in Collections: | MMJ, Volume 17, Issue 4 MMJ, Volume 17, Issue 4 Scholarly Works - FacM&SSur |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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2005.Vol17.Issue4.A7.pdf | Are Radiology request forms adequately filled in?: an audit assessing local practice | 91.79 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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