Sociodemographic determinants of knowledge on the figure of radiologist: results of a survey in a large university hospital

Background: Despite overlaying an irreplaceable role as a key diagnostic tool in modern medicine, the role of radiologist still appears to be unclear to patients. Methods: We conducted a survey in outpatient clinic of Radiological Sciences Department of the University Hospital “A. Gemelli” in Rome, aiming to assess how correctly patients identify the figure of the radiologist. The patients were interviewed by the trained physician using structured questionnaire. Results: We included the number of 259 patients. Majority were female 63.3%, most were 60-69 years old (24.3%), have finished second grade secondary school (35.1%) and were subjected to magnetic resonance (28.6%) while the least were subjected to mammography (8.1%). Only 38.7% answered correctly to question No 1 “Who performed your examination?”, and only 30.9% correctly identified the radiologist as a person interpreting the exam (question No 2 “Who is going to interpret your radiological examination?”). Overall, 16.8% responded correctly to the both questions. Significantly less patients with primary school (OR: 0.18, CI 95% 0.06-0.49) and first grade secondary school (OR: 0.37, CI 95% 0.18-0.75) correctly addressed the question No 1 in compare to those with second grade secondary school. The first grade secondary education (OR: 0.43, CI 95% 0.20-0.92) was inversely associated with correct answer to question No 2. Patients with primary education were significantly less prone to give both correct answers (OR: 0.12, CI 95% 0.02-0.60). Conclusion: We report insufficient knowledge among patients on radiologist’s role in healthcare system. The level of knowledge is associated with level of education.