# Incomplete Radiology Requests Are the Norm: A Quality Audit at a Moroccan Tertiary Hospital

## TL;DR

This study found that most radiology requests at a Moroccan hospital lack critical clinical details, suggesting a need for better electronic forms and training to improve diagnostic quality.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific gaps in radiology request completeness and proposes targeted interventions like structured electronic forms and physician training.

## Key findings

- Only 67% of radiology requests included the clinical purpose of the examination.
- Prior imaging was referenced in just 35% of the evaluated forms.
- CT forms showed the highest conformity rate at 87%, compared to ultrasound and MRI.

## Abstract

Radiology requests initiate the diagnostic process and are a key touchpoint between clinicians and radiologists. Their clarity and completeness directly affect diagnostic precision, patient safety, and resource use. This study evaluated 400 radiology requisition forms, 165 ultrasound, 165 CT, and 70 MRI, at a major tertiary center in Marrakech, Morocco, using eight criteria from the French Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). While 82% (n=328) met the minimum quality threshold (≥6 of 8 criteria), gaps were evident: only 67% (n=268) included the examination’s clinical purpose, and prior imaging was referenced in just 35% (n=140). CT forms scored highest in conformity (87%, n=144), followed by MRI (82%, n=57) and ultrasound (77%, n=127). Administrative sections were more consistently completed than clinical fields. These findings reveal a systemic need for structured electronic forms, mandatory clinical fields, and physician training to strengthen diagnostic quality and reduce unnecessary imaging.