title: Development of a synoptic MRI report for primary rectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important imaging modality for pre-operative staging and surgical planning of rectal cancer, to date there has been little investigation on the completeness and overall quality of MRI reports. This is important because optimal patient care depends on the quality of the MRI report and clear communication of these reports to treating physicians. Previous work has shown that the use of synoptic pathology reports improves the quality of pathology reports and communication between physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  The aims of this project are to develop a synoptic MRI report for rectal cancer and determine the enablers and barriers toward the implementation of a synoptic MRI report for rectal cancer in the clinical setting. A three-step Delphi process with an expert panel will extract the key criteria for the MRI report to guide pre-operative chemoradiation and surgical planning following a review of the literature, and a synoptic template will be developed. Furthermore, standardized qualitative research methods will be used to conduct interviews with radiologists to determine the enablers and barriers to the implementation and sustainability of the synoptic MRI report in the clinic setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Synoptic MRI reports for rectal cancer are currently not used in North America and may improve the overall quality of MRI report and communication between physicians. This may, in turn, lead to improved patient care and outcomes for rectal cancer patients.
authors: Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. gspiegle@uhnresearch.ca
authors: Gillian
authors: G
authors: Spiegle
authors: Marisa
authors: M
authors: Leon-Carlyle
authors: Selina
authors: S
authors: Schmocker
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Fruitman
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Milot
authors: Anna R
authors: AR
authors: Gagliardi
authors: Andy J
authors: AJ
authors: Smith
authors: Robin S
authors: RS
authors: McLeod
authors: Erin D
authors: ED
authors: Kennedy