Actionable reporting versus unwanted advice in PET-CT reports.

Aim: To investigate the opinions of clinician referrers on the presence and type of management advice in reports of positron-emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) examinations.

Materials And Methods: Eighteen clinicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire about their opinions on further management advice in PET-CT reports.

Results: Opinions varied amongst clinicians, but some themes predominated: (1) advice on further imaging tests and areas outside the referrer's area of expertise are more welcome than other types of advice; (2) a differential diagnosis or clinical significance is of greater value than specific management advice; (3) some referrers do not want any further advice.

Conclusion: Before advising on further management, reporters should consider clinicians' opinions regarding this. Seeking the opinion of clinicians in other hospitals may be necessary. A review of the Royal College of Radiologists Actionable Reports standard to ensure it is more in line with the opinions of clinicians may be useful.