Physician Experiences with Perceived Pressure to Order Diagnostic Imaging Services.
The overuse of diagnostic imaging (DI) services, which is estimated to be 30% in Canada, can expose patients to unnecessary radiation, and strain human and financial resources. This study explored the DI ordering practices of physicians in Canada through semi-structured interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the overuse of DI services. The majority of participants (n=11; 91%) described feeling pressured by patients to order DI services in circumstances that were unwarranted. The results are followed by a discussion about ways technology (such as a decision support system) could aid in facilitating a dialogue between physicians and patients about when and when not to order DI.
School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Janessa
J
Griffith
School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Helen
H
Monkman
School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Elizabeth
E
Borycki
School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Andre
A
Kushniruk
D001955:British Columbia; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000069342:Medical Overuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010465:Perception; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014600:Utilization Review