Accuracy of Outsourced Radiology Reports in Emergency Surgical Care: Do They Provide a High-Quality, Cost-Effective Service?

Background Computed tomography (CT) scans play a crucial role in emergency surgical care, serving both diagnostic and prognostic functions. They significantly contribute to timely and effective patient care. This study aims to compare abdominal CT scan reports prepared by locally employed radiologists with those from outsourced radiology reporting services for patients presenting with acute surgical conditions. Additionally, the study evaluates how different reporting styles, such as free-text versus structured formats, influence the overall quality of the reports. Methods The study was conducted in the general surgery unit of North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, a district general hospital in North West England. Patients admitted through the accident and emergency (A&E) under the general surgery team who underwent abdominal CT scans between August 2023 and October 2023 were included. Trauma patients and those who received non-abdominal CT scans were excluded. Local radiology reports were compared to outsourced reports using statistical analysis. The clarity and comprehensiveness of the reports were carefully evaluated, and the impact of free-text versus structured reporting formats was also considered. Results A total of 192 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 59 years. Compared to locally reported scans, outsourced radiology reports frequently omitted commentary on key anatomical structures, including the biliary system, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes, mesentery and peritoneum, vasculature, bones and soft tissues, and lung bases. Reports using a structured format provided more thorough commentary on the spleen, adrenal glands, mesentery and peritoneum, and bones and soft tissues compared to free-text reports. Conclusion Outsourced radiology reports significantly underreported important abdominal anatomical structures. Free-text reporting was associated with significant omissions in abdominal anatomical structures, which could negatively affect clinical decision-making and management plans. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the comprehensiveness of outsourced radiology reporting and to ensure standardization in reporting, ultimately providing patients with high-quality emergency care.