Who's the doctor? Patients' perceptions of the role of the breast radiologist: a lesson for all radiologists

The aim of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of the role of the radiologist in their care. The questionnaire used was designed in conjunction with a psychologist who had an interest in oncology, and piloted. The final questionnaires were distributed to patients attending the breast clinic at St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, from 1 March to 1 July 2011. Patients requiring imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound) were asked to complete the same questionnaire again after imaging procedures were performed. Paired t-tests were used to assess for changes in parameters, including ranking of members of the breast care team in order of perceived importance and levels of anxiety pre and post consultation with the radiologist. 306 patients were recruited. 76% of patients thought that radiologists were radiographers and only 14% knew that radiologists were medical doctors. Nearly 40% of patients did not consider that radiologists had a role to play in their care. There was no statistically significant difference in the ranking of team members pre and post consultation. There was a significant improvement in patient anxiety levels after consultation with the breast radiologist, which is likely to be due to the patient learning the outcome of tests performed. There is a lack of awareness amongst patients and amongst our colleagues in paramedical disciplines regarding the roles and responsibilities of the modern radiologist. Radiology must act to increase public awareness so that future changes in the health service will reflect the scope and importance of the speciality.