National audit of seven-day working care in radiology

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which our current provision of diagnostic and interventional radiology services matches existing clinical demand and future government proposals as set out in the Royal College of Radiologists published guidance on providing seven-day acute care. METHODS: In June 2018, all UK radiology department audit leads were sent a questionnaire designed to assess compliance for each standard of the Royal College of Radiologists published guidance on providing seven-day acute care. RESULTS: 135 hospitals (68%) responded. Of those that responded, 96% of departments have a diagnostic radiologist rota for clinicians to discuss acute cases and review imaging and 48% of departments do not have a fully staffed consultant rota 24 h a day, seven days a week for interventional radiology. There is significant variance in MRI radiographer availability within departments, ranging from 18.8% during Saturday/Sunday evening/overnight up to a maximum of 63.9% during Saturday daytime. 11% of departments participate in a regional out of hours cross-organisation reporting rota. 40% of departments have no 24/7 RIS technical support and 34% have no PACS technical support out of hours. CONCLUSION: There is a wide variation in practice across radiology departments in the UK. Although there are some standards that the majority of hospitals are achieving, there is a significant short-fall in fundamental aspects of providing acute seven-day care. The multifactorial nature in which these problems have arisen means there is no easy solution to combat these issues. There is a requirement for significant investment and political commitment to improve staffing and infrastructure in order to address the current situation. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: A UK wide evaluation of the current provision of seven-day working in radiology showing 54% of hospitals do not have a UK working-time regulations compliant Interventional radiology rota, severe lack of availability of acute MRI out of hours and significant deficiencies in providing technical support out of hours. A sustainable and efficient seven-day service is currently not being provided.