INTEGRATING RADIOLOGY INTO SURGICAL EDUCATION: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE kirtana.pswamy@gmail.com

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INTEGRATING RADIOLOGY INTO SURGICAL EDUCATION: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE

8

United Kingdom

Oral or Poster

Accurate interpretation of radiological imaging is essential for safe and effective surgical decision-making. Within the UK National Health Service (NHS), discrepancies between out-of-hours and in-house radiology reporting for acute surgical patients can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Additionally, limited multidisciplinary team (MDT) engagement and insufficient radiology teaching for surgical trainees hinder both patient care and professional development.

Aims : To enhance surgical education, standardise imaging interpretation, and improve patient management through structured, collaborative radiology–surgery teaching sessions. Methods : A Quality Improvement Project established bi-monthly radiology–surgery meetings. Consultant radiologists, surgeons, and MDT members reviewed acute and complex benign surgical cases with case-based teaching. Prospective feedback was collected after each session; retrospective questionnaires assessed changes in knowledge, confidence, and perceived clinical impact.

High satisfaction rates (>90%) were reported, with participants noting improved understanding of complex imaging and greater integration of radiological findings into surgical decision-making. Retrospective analysis indicated a reduction in management changes following in-house re-reporting, suggesting improved diagnostic accuracy. The program also facilitated leadership and organisational skills among junior surgical staff through meeting coordination roles, aligning with NHS educational principles.

Structured radiology–surgery–meetings embedded within NHS practice have demonstrated clear benefits in surgical education, interdepartmental collaboration, and patient management. By fostering an environment of open discussion, shared expertise, and mutual learning, the initiative bridges traditional specialty divides and reinforces the value of integrated imaging review in surgical decision-making. The positive reception from participants and measurable clinical impact support the potential for adaptation in other multidisciplinary clinical areas.