Abstract
Objectives: There is a notable rise in patient-initiated imaging
requests, with one possible reason being the increased availability of
online health information. This study specifically examines the impact
of patient-initiated radiological exams on radiologists. Exploring their
perspectives on how GPs acquiescing to patients’ medical imaging
requests impacts healthcare resources and skew patients’ expectations of
the capabilities of radiological studies. The findings of this study are
crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of radiology practice
and its challenges. Method: A comprehensive cross-sectional survey was
administered to radiologists in private medical centres across Australia
between November 2023 and February 2024. The survey included structured
and open-ended questions distributed via an intranet platform within the
same company and reached a wide range of radiologists. Results: Nearly
half of the participants (48%) had over 20 years of experience. The
majority of radiologists reported X-rays (27%), ultrasounds (25%), and
CT scans (24%) as the most commonly requested non-indicated imaging
studies. Radiologists attributed these requests to patients’ exposure to
online medical information and their desire for reassurance.
Approximately 24% of radiological studies were considered unnecessary,
with 30% of radiologists reporting feeling pressured by GPs and
patients to expedite report completion. Proposed strategies included
patient education, communication, and the establishment of clear
guidelines. Conclusions: The study underscores the increasing burden of
patient-initiated imaging on radiologists. This burden is further
compounded by patients’ unrealistic expectations and lack of
understanding of diagnostic imaging’s limitations. Radiologists have
stressed the crucial role of the broader healthcare context in
collaborating with such requests. Patient education was emphasised to
reduce unnecessary imaging and manage patient expectations.