In Search of Necessity of the Diagnostic Imaging from the perceptions of Medical Doctors

Abstract

Emergency Department is one of the most important units in the hospital. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of application of medical imaging and also the factors related to the overuse of this procedure in the Emergency Department. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 employed physicians' residents in the Emergency Departments of a hospital. By designing a standard questionnaire, the viewpoint of the employed physicians of the Emergency Department in relation to the pattern of medical imaging requests and probable factors related to the over-request was assessed. Performing of reasonable imaging for MRI, X-ray, sonography, and CT-Scan imaging was significantly in direct correlation with the work experienceof physicians. Performing the test in ordertosave time and prevention of probable complaints and judicial matters was reported by physicians as the most important reason for performing diagnostic graphs. Considering the increase in costs of imaging especially simple graph and CTscan, which increases the risk of complications such as exposure to radiation in patients, and since nonscientif ic reasons in an increase of imaging at the Emergency Department. By appropriate training to treatment staff, especially by using guidelines for determining proper imaging can reduce unnecessary imaging in the Emergency Department, which could improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of the patients.