REFERRING PHYSICIAN

Radiology request forms (RRFs) are crucial tools that facilitate communication between referring clinicians and radiology departments, ensuring appropriate and justified imaging studies. When these forms are poorly completed, it can lead to diagnostic mistakes, treatment delays, unnecessary radiation exposure, and increased healthcare costs. This study evaluated how thoroughly referring physicians completed RRFs at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and RayTouch Diagnostic Center in Benin City. A retrospective review of 1,600 forms submitted from June to November 2024 assessed key elements such as patient data, clinical background, requested imaging,and physician information. Completion rates were generally high—83.2% for patient identification, 94.2% for clinical history, 95.2%forimaging requests, and 94.9% for physician details—with UBTH performing better overall. Nevertheless, notable gaps, especially inpatient identification, were observed. Survey responses from21healthcare professionals revealed that incomplete forms often led to repeated tests, diagnostic errors, and operational inefficiencies. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the two facilities. These results highlight the importance of implementing electronic RRF systems, ongoing training for clinicians, and institutional policies to improve documentation. Such measures could enhance diagnostic precision, reduce unnecessary procedures, and improve patient safety.