Trends in Publications in Radiology Journals Designated as Relating to Patient-Centered Care

Purpose To assess trends in publications in radiology journals designated as dealing with patient-centered care. Methods PubMed was searched for articles in radiology journals for which the article's record referenced patient-centered/patient-centric care. Among these, original research articles were identified and assigned major themes. Trends were assessed descriptively. Results A total of 115 articles in radiology journals designated as dealing with patient-centered care were identified, including 40 original research articles. The number of articles annually ranged from 0 to 4 in 2000–2008, 5 to 9 in 2010–2012, 14 to 15 in 2013–2014, and 25 in 2015. Only four radiology journals had published more than one of the original research articles. Original research articles’ most common themes were: optimization of patients’ access to reports and images (n=7); patients’ examination experience (5); image evaluation (n=4); radiologists meeting with patients (n=4); improving patients’ knowledge of imaging (n=3); examination wait times/efficiency (n=3); examination utilization/appropriateness (n=3); and IT enhancements (n=3). A total of 13 of 40 original research articles solicited opinions from patients. One study involved patients in educating trainees regarding patient-centered care. No study involved patients in system-level decisions regarding health care design and delivery. Conclusion Articles dealing with patient-centered care in radiology are increasing, though they remain concentrated in a limited number of journals. Though major themes included image/report access, patient experiences, and radiologists meeting with patients, many studies dealt with less clearly patient-centric topics such as examination interpretation, while inclusion of patients in systems design was lacking. Further research in radiology is encouraged to target a broader range of ideals of patient-centered care, such as diversity, autonomy, and compassion, and to incorporate greater patient engagement.