Institutional Implementation of a Structured Reporting System: Our Experience with the Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System

Publication date: Available online 18 January 2019

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Ashwani Gore, Michael J. Hoch, Hui-Kuo G. Shu, Jeffrey J. Olson, Alfredo D. Voloschin, Brent D. Weinberg

Rationale and Objectives

Analyze the impact of implementing a structured reporting system for primary brain tumors, the Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System, on attitudes toward radiology reports at a single institution.

Materials and Methods

Following Institutional Review Board approval, an initial 22 question, 5 point (1—worst to 5—best), survey was sent to faculty members, house staff members, and nonphysician providers at our institution who participate in the direct care of brain tumor patients. Results were used to develop a structured reporting strategy for brain tumors which was implemented across an entire neuroradiology section in a staged approach. Nine months following structured reporting implementation, a follow-up 27 question survey was sent to the same group of providers. Keyword search of radiology reports was used to assess usage of Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System over time.

Results

Fifty-three brain tumor care providers responded to the initial survey and 38 to the follow-up survey. After implementing BT-RADS, respondents reported improved attitudes across multiple areas including: report consistency (4.3 vs. 3.4; p < 0.001), report ambiguity (4.2 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001), radiologist/physician communication (4.5 vs. 3.8; p < 0.001), facilitation of patient management (4.2 vs. 3.6; p = 0.003), and confidence in reports (4.3 vs. 3.5; p < 0.001). Providers were more satisfied with the BT-RADS structured reporting system (4.3 vs. 3.7; p = 0.04). Use of the reporting template progressively increased with 81% of brain tumor reports dictated using the new template by 9 months.

Conclusion

Implementing a structured template for brain tumor imaging improves perception of radiology reports among radiologists and referring providers involved in the care of brain tumor patients.

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