Factors Associated with the Proportion of Adherence to CT and MRI Report Recommendations at Muhimbili National Hospital, Upanga

Abstract

Background: The radiology report may have various recommendations, including recommendations for additional imaging (RAI), laboratory investigations, consultations with multiple subspecialties, and noninvasive procedures. Failure to adhere to these recommendations imposes a serious breakdown in the patient’s diagnosis process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the proportion of adherence to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report recommendations at Muhimbili National Hospital, Upanga. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted, where all CT and MRI reports generated in April 2024 were reviewed. Recommendations were followed up for a duration of 1 year to ascertain whether the recommendation was executed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used for analysis. The Chi-square test was used to check for associations between the variables, and bivariate logistic regression was used to determine the true association of variables, where statistical significance was set at a P value of less than 0.05. Results: A total of 237 recommendations from CT and MRI reports were analyzed. Of the participants, 56.5% were in the outpatient category. The majority of the recommendations were RAI, 106 (44.7%), followed by laboratory investigations, 76 (32%). A total of 115 (51.5%) recommendations were executed. In multivariable logistic regression, recommendations for RAI had lower odds of adherence (odds ratio 0.25, P < 0.00). Conclusion: This study highlights the burden of non-adherence to radiological report recommendations, where the majority of RAI recommendations are not executed.