Consultation skills in radiology: a qualitative study

Objective: Consultation is an important part of radiologic practice. Recently, many concerns have been expressed about the lack of emphasis on consultation skills as part of the training requirements for radiologists. In order to improve the teaching and assessment of trainees, we designed a qualitative study to specify the consultation skills expected from a trainee by the end of residency. Methods: Three successive focus groups were held with professors of radiology, residents in radiology, and referring physicians. Participants were asked to identify the various competencies required from radiologic consultants (1) spontaneously, (2) by reacting to a previously generated list, and (3) by reacting to common clinical problems encountered in radiology. Results: Consultation skills thus identified were organized in a framework consisting of 2 groups: observable skills and standards of practice. Observable skills were subdivided into 5 "problem-setting" skills and 6 "results-management" skills. Seven qualities and attitudes identified were combined under the rubric "standards of practice." Conclusion: The specification of these abilities and competencies through a consensus process should permit the teaching of these skills and their evaluation through objective, structured clinical examinations.