Bridging the Radiation Oncology and Diagnostic Radiology Communication Gap: A Survey to Determine Usefulness and Optimal Presentation of Radiotherapy Treatment Plans for Radiologists

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2019

Source: Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology

Author(s): Stephanie K. Schaub, Ralph P. Ermoian, Carolyn L. Wang, Ryan B. O'Malley, Edward Y. Kim, William P. Shuman, Kristi Hendrickson, Smith Apisarnthanarax

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives

We hypothesized that providing visual-spatial information to radiologists on where radiation has been delivered in an easily accessible way may improve the accuracy of image interpretation and thereby improve quality of patient care. We present a national representation of radiologists' opinions regarding the usefulness and optimal approach for implementing a system to promote access to radiotherapy (RT) plans.

Methods

An anonymous survey was sent to the members of the Association of University Radiologists (AUR). Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 95 of 1383 members. Demographics comprised of 76% attendings with 94% practicing within an academic setting. Only 40% of radiologists reported that they knew most of the time whether a patient has received RT in the field scanned. A large majority of respondents (88%) felt that a history of prior radiation in a cancer patient was at least an occasional barrier that affected the ability to interpret imaging findings in a clinically useful way. The following types of information was considered helpful when interpreting a scan: screenshots of the radiation plan (85%), scrollable DICOM data on planning CT showing delivered RT dose lines (54%), and written text RT treatment summary (47%). Nearly all (89%) desired DICOM data within the clinical radiology PACS system. Radiologists expected the ease of accessibility to RT plans to result in increased efficiency (76%) and accuracy (88%).

Conclusion

Diagnostic radiologists desire improved access and integration of radiotherapy plans into the diagnostic radiology clinical workup in the form of visual-spatial data.

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