At a talk I recently gave to GE’s corporate leadership, I dwelt on the subject of perfection in reporting, stating that this was a goal of our organization.
In radiology reporting, 50% is the actual analysis and interpretation, with the balance being in the effective communication of the findings.
One of the training points I focus on when I work with young radiologists is exactly this, how to communicate effectively. Most radiologists are or become adept at the process of detection of findings as this constitutes the bulk of their training. Analysis of the observations is the second task, which depending on which part of the world one trains in may receive more or less emphasis during training. The third pillar of radiologic wisdom, is however effective communication. It is in this regard Radiology is both a science and an art, where literary skill is of equal importance as anatomic knowledge, the horizon where left and right brain combine.
I was interested to read in a recent RSNA newsletter that the organization now conducts courses on communication in radiology, realizing the increasing importance of this quality and its necessity for radiologists in training and practice.
On a trip to Rouen, France last summer, I was introduced to the writer Gustave Flaubert, who was reknowned for his focus on ‘ le mot juste’, ie the perfect word. This concept is to me equally relevant in radiology where the use of the correct term (such as blowout fracture) can immediately capture the essence as well as the entire breadth of the diagnosis and effortlessly communicate it to the clinician.
Of course the communication has to not only be effective and comprehensive, but also timely. But more on that later….