GP request rejections: an analysis for ultrasound service improvement at one centre

[摘要] Balancing capacity with demand and ensuringobservance of local referral guidance and thatpatients receive the correct investigation arekey to the delivery of a busy ultrasound scanning service. This centre has a gynaecologytertiary referral unit with a dedicated ultrasound service. In parallel, the clinical radiology ultrasound service provides diagnosticgynaecology scans for general practitioners(GPs). We received informal reports of GPgynaecology ultrasound requests being ‘inappropriately’ rejected by the radiology department sonographer-led service, and this shortreport outlines the assessment made. Priorto this audit being done, gynaecology andradiology had collaborated to provide jointreferral guidance to GPs, but anecdotallythere appeared to still be referrer confusion.We reviewed the information provided byGPs on requests, to determine why they wererejected and identify any associated sonographer service improvements and/or trainingneeds. It is well understood that robust sonographic clinical governance processes aredifficult to implement and interpret effectively,1 but all possible review and reflectiveprocesses should be explored to improveservice quality.

[学科分类] 药学

[关键词] obstetrics and gynaecology;allied health occupations;clinical governance;diagnostic services;continuing education;continuing professional development