Key result
Only ~34% of physicians correctly recognize that normal lung scans make pulmonary embolism highly unlikely.
Why the study?
A significant number of physicians misunderstand the risk of pulmonary embolism indicated by normal and low probability lung scan reports.
How do consultant physicians interpret normal and low probability lung scan reports for pulmonary embolism?
Cross-Sectional (n=194)
How do consultant physicians interpret normal and low probability lung scan reports for pulmonary embolism?
A significant number of physicians misunderstand the risk of pulmonary embolism indicated by normal and low probability lung scan reports, highlighting the need for clearer reporting and guidance.
Consultant misinterpretation of V/Q scans may delay PE diagnosis; leaves open whether standardized reporting reduces uncertainty.
A questionnaire was sent to 217 consultant physicians in Scotland who were likely to encounter pulmonary embolism (PE) in their daily practice. Replies were received from 194 (89%). Only 34% of physicians understood that a normal lung scan made PE highly unlikely, while 65% considered a low probability scan equivalent to an uncertain diagnosis. This pattern of interpretation of lung scan reports was confirmed by a question on post-test management. After a normal lung scan report, 31% of physicians were uncertain about the diagnosis and this uncertainty increased to 37% for a low probability scan report. This survey has shown misunderstanding by a significant number of physicians of the risk of PE indicated by normal and low probability lung scan reports. It underlines the need for individuals reporting the test to provide informed guidance for clinical staff following ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) imaging. It may point in addition to a need for a more easily understood style of reporting of lung scans.
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Gray et al. (1993) conducted a cross-sectional in Pulmonary embolism (n=194). Questionnaire on lung scan interpretation was evaluated on Understanding that a normal lung scan made pulmonary embolism highly unlikely. A survey of 194 Scottish physicians revealed that only 34% understood a normal lung scan makes pulmonary embolism highly unlikely, and 65% viewed a low probability scan as an uncertain diagnosis.
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