The relationship between oncologists and peripheral hospital radiologists in the North-West of England.
OBJECTIVE
To audit the relationship between Cancer Centre oncologists visiting peripheral hospitals and peripheral hospital radiologists by assessing (i) oncologists' knowledge of local radiological services; (ii) oncologists' perceptions of peripheral radiological services; (iii) peripheral radiologist's perceptions of oncologists; (iv) barriers to communication.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was sent to all radiology departments visited by an oncologist, and to all medical and clinical oncologists from two regional oncology centres.


RESULTS
The response rate was 100% (21 peripheral hospital radiology departments and all 35 oncologists). (i) Oncologists' knowledge of peripheral hospital imaging modalities was limited (especially MRI and intervention). (ii) 72% of oncologists rated the peripheral hospital radiology service as excellent or good, 46% rated the radiology report quality excellent to good. Deficiencies in oncological reports were identified. (iii) 44% of radiologists thought the oncologist did not relate well with the local radiology department. 50% of radiologists did not know the visiting oncologist's specialist interest. (iv) 69% of oncologists did not regularly attend peripheral hospital clinico-radiological meetings. Lack of written and oral information was hampering both specialties.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication between oncologists and the local radiology department should include: (1) information about local radiology services for visiting oncologists (including trainees) and on the oncology team for radiologists; (2) standardized report content; (3) improved clinical information for radiologists; (4) regular clinico-radiological meetings.
Bungay
Peter M
PM
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.
Carrington
Bernadette M
BM
Corgié
Delphine
D
Eardley
Anne
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008485:Medical Audit; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists