Too many images and too few radiologists: the consequent effect on patients’ health due to the non-sustainable radiology services

SHAYMAA HOSNI, SUNDERLAND HOSPITAL, UK
USAMA SALEH, QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, UK
Abstract: Radiology is a rapidly expanding branch of medicine, which aids in the diagnosis and treatment of disease using X-rays and radioactive substances. With an increasing workload on radiologists, the national health system, commissioning organisations and consultant radiologists face major challenges. It appears that there are evidences to suggest that there are simply not enough radiologists to cope with reporting at the rate at which images are being requested. This paper investigates a prospective audit which looks at the time it takes for GPs from Southwick Health Care Centre to receive reports of the X-rays from their patient population and the consequent effect on the quality of patient care.
Keywords: Radiology Services, Non-Sustainable Radiology Services