THE ROLE OF PREVIOUS RADIOGRAPHS AND REPORTS IN THE INTERPRETATION OF CURRENT RADIOGRAPHS

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The authors studied radiologists' patterns of using old reports and previous radiographs in the interpretation of current radiographic studies. Supplying information from previous studies is considered necessary for accurate interpretation; however, it is not clear how this information is used. METHODS. Eighteen radiologists interpreted 305 plain film studies in a general radiologic interpretation area. Radiologists described their perceptions of the use of previous radiographs and reports in film interpretation. RESULTS. Overall, old films were used for 99% of interpretations and previous reports were used for 65%. Prior information increased confidence in 89% of cases, influenced diagnosis in 56% of cases, and assisted in detecting new pathology in 6% of interpretations. Old radiographs were judged most valuable in documenting the progression, regression, or stability of disease in 89% of cases. Previous reports were principally used to obtain patient history (43%). In no cases did the radiologist perceive that the old reports assisted in locating new pathology. CONCLUSIONS. Old films are judged more valuable than reports for documenting disease progress, and radiologists are unlikely to accept written reports as a substitute. Previous reports are used principally to improve clinical histories, a function that might be eliminated if adequate clinical data could be captured by other means.