Accuracy Check: A Phenomenological Study on Lived Experiences of Radiologists Ensuring the Accuracy of Their Diagnosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Radiology is one of the important professions in the medical field. Radiologists are those who practice this wherein they use radiation energy to detect and cure illnesses. One of its types is diagnostic radiology, which checks the functioning of the body and identifies if something is wrong within. Accordingly, there is a lack of studies that focus on radiologists that encounter some difficulties in ensuring the accuracy of their diagnoses and feeling pressure if they did an erroneous diagnosis. Hence, this study sought to fill the gap by knowing the lived experiences of radiologists ensuring the accuracy of their diagnosis.

METHODS

This phenomenological study conducted figured to find out the lived experiences of radiologists in ensuring the accuracy of their diagnosis. To do this one, an in-depth interview focusing on the difficulties they encounter to ensure the accuracy of their diagnosis and coping mechanisms from having misdiagnosis. The researchers used convenience sampling for selecting the respondents for the interview. Using the sampling method, three radiologists from the city of Trece Martires and General Trias were the ones interviewed. For the data analysis, the researchers used thematic analysis by the transcript of the interviews.

RESULTS

The researchers methodically read the data from each interview transcription with the participants. Consequently, this chapter showed the developed numerous themes under two fundamental sets, specifically, the difficulties radiologists encounter and the coping mechanisms of radiologists. This research used thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006) for the analysis of data gathered from the radiologists. Miscommunication with physicians, incomplete clinical data, lack of communication with the patient, and poor equipment were the rising themes on the difficulty’s radiologists encounter in making sure that their diagnosis or impression is correct. On the other hand, good communication with physicians, assistance from colleagues and self-encouragement were the appearing themes that radiologists do to cope up with the pressure they may feel after having a misdiagnosis.

DISCUSSIONS

From the results analyzed by the researchers, it showed that radiologists under diagnostic radiology do face some challenges in ensuring the accuracy of their diagnosis that leads to certain difficulties that affect their patients and them as well. However, they also have their coping mechanisms in order to solve and/or avoid any trouble regarding the accuracy of their analysis.