Clinicians' interpretation of unreported chest radiographs in biologic prescription workup service: a comprehensive analysis

Abstract

Clinicians without a radiology specialization face difficulties when they attempt to interpret chest X-rays (CXRs), a crucial and extensively utilized diagnostic tool that plays a fundamental role in the detection of pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders. This cross-sectional study assessed the confidence and competence of clinicians, including junior specialty trainees, higher specialty trainees, and specialist nurses, in interpreting CXRs before starting biological treatment. An online survey was used to collect data from clinicians in various healthcare settings, focusing on their experience, training, confidence levels, and CXR interpretation proficiency. The survey uncovered clinicians' insufficient confidence in interpreting the pre-biological screening CXRs despite their clinical expertise. This uncertainty raises concerns about potential misinterpretations, affecting timely treatment decisions. A Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference between training levels required with a p-value of 0.001, rejecting the null hypothesis. Subsequently, a Dunn-Bonferroni test revealed that the higher specialty trainee-specialist nurse pair differed significantly, with the specialist nurse group requiring more training. This study highlighted the need for enhanced radiology education for clinicians involved in chest radiograph interpretation for pre-biological screening. Implementing a structured training program is essential to improve skills and ensure accurate interpretation of non-formally reported chest radiographs, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare practices.