Table 1 Radiologists' ratings of the extent to which suggested causes increase the volume of radiological investigations
Number (%) of responses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Suggested cause | To a small or very small extent | To some extent | To a large or very large extent |
Increased possibilities due to new radiological technology | 2 (0.5) | 62 (16.6) | 310 (82.9) |
Peoples' increased demands for certain knowledge about own health | 8 (2.1) | 95 (25.4) | 271 (72.5) |
Referring physicians have less tolerance for uncertainty | 16 (4.3) | 113 (30.4) | 243 (65.3) |
Expanded clinical indications for radiology | 29 (7.8) | 128 (34.4) | 215 (57.8) |
Increased availability of radiological equipment and personnel | 37 (9.9) | 142 (37.9) | 196 (52.3) |
Referring physicians have less competence to perform clinical examinations | 54 (14.4) | 183 (48.9) | 137 (36.6) |
Increased risk of litigation against health care providers | 72 (19.3) | 171 (45.7) | 131 (35.0) |
Increased demand on health care professionals' effectiveness | 97 (26.1) | 149 (40.1) | 126 (33.9) |
Strengthening of patient rights | 76 (20.5) | 192 (51.8) | 103 (27.8) |
Referring physicians have less knowledge about accurate use of radiology | 90 (24.1) | 190 (50.9) | 93 (24.9) |
Increased demands for documentation from the National Insurance Service or insurance companies | 129 (34.7) | 167 (44.9) | 76 (20.4) |
Health service providers' increased competition for patients | 174 (46.6) | 125 (33.5) | 74 (19.8) |
People's fascination for technological innovations | 189 (50.5) | 139 (37.2) | 46 (12.3) |
Increased focus on economic issues in health care services | 213 (57.3) | 100 (26.9) | 59 (15.9) |
Increased morbidity in the population | 234 (63.1) | 114 (30.7) | 23 (6.2) |