Assessing the impact of trained Radiologist Assistants in a busy emergency teleradiology practice: a comprehensive evaluation.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to study the feasibility and usefulness of trained Radiologist Assistants in a busy emergency teleradiology practice.

Method: This is a retrospective study over a 21-month period (January 2021 to September 2022). The study analysed archived data from 247118 peer review studies performed by Radiologist Assistants (RAs) out of a total case volume of 828526 and evaluated the rate of discrepancies, the study types commonly noted to have discrepancies, and the severity of errors. These missed findings were brought to the attention of the radiologists for approval and further decision-making.

Results: Peer review by RAs was performed on 30% (n = 247118) of the total volume 828526 studies reported, and yielded additional findings including but not limited to fractures (218; 23%), hemorrhage,(94; 10%) pulmonary thromboembolism, (n = 104; 11%), Calculus (n = 75; 8%) lesion (n = 66; 5%), appendicitis(n = 50; 4%) and others. These were brought to the attention of the radiologist, who agreed in 97% (1279 out of 1318) of cases, and communicated the same to the referring facility, with an addended report.

Conclusion: Trained RAs can provide value to the peer review program of a busy teleradiology practice and decrease errors. This may be useful to meet the ongoing radiologist shortages.