The SCIEPR checklist: A tool for standardizing chest X-ray interpretation in resource-constrained settings – A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction

Checklists improve performance in specialized fields such as radiology. The SCIEPR (Standardization, Communication, Image Evaluation, and Pattern Recognition) checklist was developed to aid nonradiologists in interpreting chest radiographs in district hospitals with no radiologists onsite. This study aims to investigate the clinical utility of the SCIEPR checklist.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional pilot study included 103 participants, including 40 radiographers and 63 doctors from four district hospitals. Radiographers completed sections A and B regarding imaging protocols for chest radiographs, while doctors filled out section C for systematically searching for abnormalities. After four weeks of using the checklist, the participants completed a survey comprising 23 closed-ended and seven open-ended questions. Key measures included compliance in completing the checklist and evaluating the end-user's perceptions of the checklist.

Results

Seventy-four SCIEPR checklists were adequately completed. Sections A and B had 100 % compliance. Two items were omitted from Section C. Forty-one participants completed the survey tool (22 doctors and 19 radiographers). Participants had mixed opinions on the checklist's impact on time and workload. No item changes were suggested. Participants reported that the checklist enhanced patient care, improved service quality, reduced interpretation time, and reduced patient waiting time.

Conclusion

Following the pilot study, we refined section C of the SCIEPR checklist, improving content and face validity. The SCIEPR checklist promotes interprofessional collaboration and may reduce omission errors by standardizing imaging protocols.

Implications for practice

The SCIEPR checklist is designed to enhance collaboration between radiographers and medical doctors in chest imaging and interpretation. Its main goal is to improve the consistency and accuracy of chest X-ray interpretations, particularly in resource-limited settings with no radiologist onsite.