AUDIT OF RADIOLOGY REQUEST CARDS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA

Background: Radiology request cards are essential communication tools between physicians and radiation personnel. Clinical audit is part of quality assurance that guarantees patient care. Objective: To assess the adequacy of patient data and clinical information filled in request cards sent to Radiology Department of our facility by referring clinicians. Material and methods: Four hundred (400) radiology request cards were randomly selected from the records of the department and scrutinized for bio-data/clinical information. Result: Completely filled request cards were 2/267 (ultrasound), 1/40 (computed tomography) and 2/93 (conventional x-ray). Conclusion: Consistency in complete filliing of radiology request cards in our facility was lacking. The audit revealed actual practice, and the need for improvement.