To the Editor: The authors of the editorial “Towards the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging”1 canvass possible strategies to improve the appropriateness of requests for diagnostic imaging. One strategy that research suggests may be effective is feedback provided by the providers of diagnostic services.2,3 Discussion of the feedback could, and should, be supported by federal government funding, perhaps via Divisions of General Practice, and should attract continuing professional development points for the general practitioners involved.
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- Hampstead Gardens, Adelaide, SA.
- 1. Mendelson RM, Murray CPJ. Towards the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging [editorial]. Med J Aust 2007; 187: 5-6. <MJA full text>
- 2. Winkens RA, Pop P, Grol RP, et al. Effect of feedback on test ordering behaviour of general practitioners. BMJ 1992; 304: 1093-1096.
- 3. Winkens RA, Pop P, Bugter-Maessen AM, et al. Randomised controlled trial of routine individual feedback to improve rationality and reduce numbers of test requests. Lancet 1995; 345: 498-502.