Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aimed to evaluate the adherence of referring clinicians to the Royal College of Radiologists guidelines for abdominal radiography requests. The study involved a comprehensive assessment of healthcare professionals' compliance with the established guidelines in a clinical setting. The primary objective was to determine the level of adherence to the guidelines and identify any areas of non-compliance or variability in practice. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a retrospective analysis of abdominal radiography requests over a specified period and a survey of referring clinicians to gather insights into their awareness and utilization of the guidelines. The retrospective review involved the examination of a sample of radiography requests to assess the appropriateness of the indications provided by referring clinicians. The survey sought to explore clinicians' knowledge of the guidelines, their perceived utility, and any barriers to adherence they may have encountered. The findings of the study revealed varying degrees of adherence to the Royal College of Radiologists guidelines among referring clinicians. While some healthcare professionals demonstrated a strong awareness of the guidelines and consistently followed them in their practice, others exhibited gaps in knowledge or deviations from the recommended criteria. Common areas of non-adherence included inadequate clinical information provided on the request forms, inappropriate indications for radiography, and inconsistencies in follow-up actions based on the imaging findings. The survey results indicated a generally positive attitude towards the guidelines, with many clinicians acknowledging the importance of standardized criteria for requesting abdominal radiography. However, feedback also highlighted the need for further education and training to enhance awareness and adherence to the guidelines effectively. Barriers such as time constraints, workload pressures, and limited resources were identified as potential challenges that could impact clinicians' ability to fully comply with the recommendations. Overall, the study underscored the importance of promoting adherence to established guidelines for abdominal radiography requests to ensure optimal patient care and resource utilization. Recommendations included continuous education and training initiatives for referring clinicians, enhancing communication channels between radiologists and referring teams, and implementing quality improvement strategies to monitor and improve guideline adherence over time. By addressing these key areas, healthcare organizations can strive towards achieving greater consistency and quality in abdominal imaging practices.

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