Results of an Italian survey on teleradiology

OBJECTIVES : The aim of this study is to present the results of the Italian survey on teleradiology (TR). METHODS: Two radiologists created an online electronic survey using the Survey Monkey web-based tool. The questionnaire was then improved by suggestions from a multidisciplinary group of experts. In its final form, the survey consisted of 19 multiple-choice questions. Space was left below each question for participants to add their personal comments. Members of Italian Society of Medical Radiology (SIRM) were given 2 weeks to perform the survey. RESULTS: A total of 1599 radiologists, corresponding to 17 % of all SIRM radiologists, participated into the online survey. As a result, 62 % of participants have a positive opinion on teleradiology, while 80 % including 18 % with a negative opinion believe that teleradiology will have a future. 55 % of responders (n = 874) use teleradiology in their clinical practice. The majority of users adopt intra-mural teleradiology for coverage of emergencies (47 %), of night and weekend shifts (37 %) or to even out distribution workload (33 %). Most responders still show concern on the use of teleradiology. In particular, they think that teleradiology is too impersonal (40 %), and that it is responsible for insufficient communication with the referring clinician (39 %). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Italian radiologists are favorable to teleradiology. However, they have concerns that teleradiology may further reduce communication with the referring clinician ad patient.