Teleradiology of Korea in 2017: A Questionnaire to Members of The Korean Society of Radiology

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the differences in opinion among radiologists working in different types of medical institutions in Korea, through questionnaires. Materials and Methods Korean board-certified radiologists who participated in the survey in 2017. Results Of the 316 radiologists who responded to the survey, 46.1, 20.3, 16.3, and 10.1% were working in university hospitals, general hospitals, hospitals, and clinics, respectively. More than half the radiologists (52.1%) considered teleradiology necessary, and the most-cited reason was a flexible work style. On the contrary, poor quality of radiology reports was the most-cited reason for considering teleradiology unnecessary. Although regulations for image quality, work environment, and radiology reports were considered necessary, the smaller the size of medical institution, the lower was the agreement rate. Among all responders, most radiologists thought that teleradiology would reduce the scope of radiology. However, most radiologists working in clinics thought that teleradiology would expand the field of radiology. Most responders (94.2%) required teleradiology guidelines provided by the Korean Society of Radiology. Conclusion The results of this survey showed radiologists’ perspective on various aspects of teleradiology. There were significant differences in opinion among radiologists working in different types of medical institutions.

Keywords

• teleradiology
• surveys and questionnaires
• policy