Reducing errors in the accident department: a simple method using radiographers. Issue 6466 (9th February 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berman, L; de Lacey, G; Twomey, E; Twomey, B; Welch, T; Eban, R
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 290:Issue 6466(1985)
• Page Start: 421
• Page End: 422
• Publication Date: 1985-02-09
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.290.6466.421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The assessments by radiographers of 1628 consecutive patients referred for radiography in the casualty department were analysed. The radiographers missed abnormalities in the radiographs in 68 of the cases. Casualty officers missed abnormalities in 63 cases, but only 35 patients were common to both groups. Twenty eight of the radiographs interpreted wrongly by casualty officers were interpreted correctly by radiographers; 16 of these 28 were thought by the accident and emergency consultant to be clinically important. It is suggested that a system whereby radiographers signal abnormalities should be standard practice.