Patient Agency in Imaging: Radiologists’ Insights

Patient Agency in Imaging: Radiologists’ Insights | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Public Health Challenges This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 27 February 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Patient Agency in Imaging: Radiologists’ Insights Authors : Lizzie De Silva 0000-0001-7952-2095 [email protected] , Melissa Baysari 0000-0003-1645-9126 , Melanie Keep , Peter Kench , and Jillian Clarke Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174066363.33728646/v1 Published Public Health Challenges Version of record Peer review timeline 260 views 246 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share 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. Supplementary Material File (patient_agency.docx) Download 100.09 KB File (title page patient agency.docx) Download 28.54 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 27 February 2025 Peer review timeline Published Public Health Challenges Version of Record 18 Aug 2025 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection Public Health Challenges Keywords consumerism doctor-patient general practitioners internet patient requested studies radiology Authors Affiliations Lizzie De Silva 0000-0001-7952-2095 [email protected] The University of Sydney Discipline of Medical Imaging Science View all articles by this author Melissa Baysari 0000-0003-1645-9126 The University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery View all articles by this author Melanie Keep The University of Sydney School of Health Sciences View all articles by this author Peter Kench The University of Sydney Discipline of Medical Imaging Science View all articles by this author Jillian Clarke The University of Sydney Discipline of Medical Imaging Science View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 260 views 246 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Lizzie De Silva, Melissa Baysari, Melanie Keep, et al. Patient Agency in Imaging: Radiologists’ Insights. Authorea . 27 February 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174066363.33728646/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! 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