Radiologists want uniformity in scan reports across the country, draft general disclaimer for patients

Nagpur: Many a times, radiologists are unnecessarily held responsible for wrong reporting, faulty diagnosis and sometimes in illegal sex determination cases. In general, too, they face over-expectation from patients regarding accuracy in diagnosis.
To counter this, radiologists across the country have agreed to standardize their report writing and presentation system to bring uniformity in radiological reporting across the country. Radiologists in Maharashtra have taken proactive step by drafting general declaimer for different scans which would be very important for patients.
Chairman of Indian College of Radiology and Imaging (ICRI) Dr Lalendra Upreti, who was in city on Sunday, told TOI that ICRI would bring standardization in radiological reports soon.
“Standardization of reporting format is our top priority. Radiological reporting should be same and acceptable across the country. Such standards are followed in the US and European Union, but ICRI is drafting standards suitable to Indian conditions,” he said.
A first step toward this, Maharashtra state branch of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (MSBIRIA) has drafted general declaimer for different scans.
“We want patients to understand our limitations. Like in NT (nuchal translucency) scan, which is commonly done during the first trimester of pregnancy, we cannot guarantee the absence of birth defects or congenital anomalies. But people expect that all abnormalities should be found in the scan,” said Dr Prashant Onkar, president of MSBIRIA. Declaimer drafted by MSBIRIA will soon be discussed at the national forum and will be implemented later.
Meanwhile, radiologists in Vidarbha have also resolved their commitment towards ‘Save girl child’ campaign. New team of Vidarbha branch of radiologists (VIDRAD) that took over on Sunday launched ‘Raksha’ — a social campaign of radiologist with much pomp and show.
“Under Raksha campaign, we will sensitize college students, members of youth organizations and women self-help groups about ill-effects of female feticide. Age group that will become parents in next five years is going to be our target group,” said newly elected president of VIDRAD Dr Ulhas Mahajan.
In-charge of Raksha project and VIDRAD vice-president Dr Anagha Deshpande said radiologists will organize cultural events, street plays and involve school, college students, as well as Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
Apart from Dr Mahajan as president, Dr Amit Disawal was installed as secretary, Dr Varsha Sarda, and Dr Parag Maheshwari as joint secretaries and Dr Sandeep Dhote as vice-president of VIDRAD on Sunday.