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Incomplete Radiology Requests Are the Norm: A Quality Audit at a Moroccan Tertiary Hospital

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Radiology requests initiate the diagnostic process and are a key touchpoint between clinicians and radiologists. Their clarity and completeness directly affect diagnostic precision, patient safety, and resource use. This study evaluated 400 radiology requisition forms, 165 ultrasound, 165 CT, and 70 MRI, at a major tertiary center in Marrakech, Morocco, using eight criteria from the French Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). While 82% (n=328) met the minimum quality threshold (≥6 of 8 criteria), gaps were evident: only 67% (n=268) included the examination's clinical purpose, and prior imaging was referenced in just 35% (n=140). CT forms scored highest in conformity (87%, n=144), followed by MRI (82%, n=57) and ultrasound (77%, n=127). Administrative sections were more consistently completed than clinical fields. These findings reveal a systemic need for structured electronic forms, mandatory clinical fields, and physician training to strengthen diagnostic quality and reduce unnecessary imaging.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98353

Authors: El Hajjami Ayoub, Bouktib Youssef, Badr Boutakioute, Meriem Ouali Idrissi, Najat Cherif Idrissi El Ganouni

Institutions: Cadi Ayyad University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohammed VI

Language: English

Topic: Radiology practices and education

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416939263