X-RAY-FILM INTERPRETATION BY HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE CENTER PHYSICIANS IN DAMMAM, SAUDI-ARABIA

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of x-ray film i nterpretation by nonradiologist physicians. This was a cross-sectional study based on data collected using a structured check list from a sa mple of 863 x-ray films requested and interpreted by physicians workin g in the outpatient departments of Dammam Central Hospital, and in fiv e primary health care centers in Dammam city, Saudi Arabia. The check- list was used to compare the physicians' interpretations of x-ray film s requested with those made by an experienced consultant radiologist. Physicians' interpretations were classified as concordant or discordan t with those of the radiologist. Factors affecting those interpretatio ns were assessed. Physicians from both the hospital and primary health care centers were discordant with the radiologist in 20.0% and 22.2% of x-ray films interpreted. There were significant positive correlatio ns of physicians' interpretations with physicians' handwriting and com pleteness of patient information on the request forms, quality of x-ra y films and adequacy of x-ray film views. Also, there were significant negative correlations of interpretations with chest and head and neck x-ray films. The study reveals a significant need for training of hos pital and primary health care physicians in diagnostic radiology.