Reducing errors in interpretation of plain radiographs in emergency room Lamphun Hospital

Abstract

       Aims of this Quasi-experimental research are to study error rate and detail of radiographic study misinterpretation of outpatient in emergency room Lamphun Hospital and to determine accuracy of the process that design for reducing the error rate of radiographic misinterpretation. The author retrospective reviewed films and clinical data of outpatient from emergency room Lamphun Hospital in 24 months period, between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2010. The period of study was divided into two periods; base line study was performed between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009, post processing study was performed between May 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Plain radiographs from 2,935 cases were revealed on base line study. There were misinterpretation 66 case(2.2%); false positive 5 cases, false negative 61 cases. Plain radiographs from 3,230cases were revealed on post processing study. There were misinterpretation 41 case(1.2%), all of them are false negative. The misinterpretation rate of plain radiography of outpatient in emergency room, Lamphun Hospital was reducing after use process that design for reducing these errors. The most frequency part of plain radiograph misinterpretations are chest and severity of miss interpetion are mild degree.