Structured request form in musculoskeletal radiology examinations (CONCERTO): results of an expert Delphi consensus-structured radiology request form for correct classification of patients to undergo radiological examinations of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) and the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SIOT)

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a Delphi consensus for the realization of a structured radiology request form for patients undergoing musculoskeletal imaging.

Methods: A steering committee (four radiologists, a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon) proposed a form to an expert panel (30 members, ten radiologists, ten rheumatologists and ten orthopedic surgeons). Through an online survey, the panelists voted on their level of agreement with the statements of the form using a 10-point Likert scale (1: no agreement; 10: total agreement) in a three-round process. A combination of two distinct criteria, a mean agreement level ≥ 8 and a percentage of at least 75% of responses with a value ≥ 8, was deemed as acceptable.

Results: The form achieved high median ratings in all the assessed key features. During the first round, all items met the threshold to be advanced as unmodified in the next round. Additional proposed items were considered and introduced in the next round (six items in Section 1, five items in Section 2, ten items in Section 3, 11 items in Section 4, six items in Section 5, eight items in Section 6, ten items in Section 7 and eight items in Section 8). Of these items, in round 3, only six reached the threshold to be integrated into the final form.

Conclusions: Implementation of a structured radiology request form can improve appropriateness and collaboration between clinicians and radiologists in musculoskeletal imaging.

Keywords: Consensus; Delphi method; Musculoskeletal diseases; Structured radiology request form.