Reducing missing fracture clinic radiographs by entrusting them to patients.
BACKGROUND
Missing radiographs in fracture clinics may compromise fracture management and lead to inappropriate use of clerical resources.


METHODS
We prospectively compared the number of missing radiographs in two hospitals over a period of two months. In hospital A the radiographs were retained and in hospital B they were entrusted to the patients.


RESULTS
At the completion of the study, entrusting patients with their radiographs resulted in statistically less radiographs missing from the clinic.
Calder
Peter R
PR
Department of Orthopaedics, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London, UK.
Hynes
Matthew C
MC
Goodier
W David
WD
D005568:Forms and Records Control; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards*