Radiation knowledge and perception of referral practice among radiologists and radiographers compared with referring clinicians

OBJECTIVES To explore if the perception of radiologists and radiographers on referral practice differs from that of referring clinicians, and to see if knowledge of radiation issues and referral guidelines differ between these groups. METHODS A questionnaire was handed out to 46 radiologists and 36 radiographers in Norway. Findings were compared to corresponding results from a similar already published study on clinicians. Questions dealt with referrals unlikely to affect treatment as well as respondents' radiation and referral guideline knowledge. RESULTS Radiographers estimated the highest proportion of referrals most unlikely to affect treatment (median 20 %) in comparison to radiologists (10 %) and clinicians (5 %). Lack of time, compensating for limited clinical examination and patient expectations were rated as more important reasons for such referrals by radiologists than by clinicians. Radiologists and radiographers possessed significantly better radiation knowledge than clinicians, and were more familiar with referral guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The perception of radiologists and radiographers differs from that of clinicians, concerning the use of imaging most unlikely to affect treatment, and the reasons for such referrals. Radiologists and radiographers possess better radiation knowledge than referring clinicians, but all groups have a potential in improving their radiation protection knowledge. MAIN MESSAGES • Radiographers estimated the highest proportion of referrals most unlikely to affect treatment. • Radiologists rated "getting the patient discharged" as an important reason for such referrals. • Radiologists and radiographers possess significantly better radiation knowledge than clinicians.