Panel Develops Consensus Checklist to Standardize Chest Radiograph Interpretation in Hospitals

A modified Delphi consensus process has resulted in the development of the SCIEPR checklist, a 35-item tool designed to standardize chest radiograph interpretation in healthcare facilities lacking onsite radiologist expertise. The instrument takes its name from standardization, communication, image evaluation, and pattern recognition, incorporating items identified by experts as essential for chest radiograph assessment.

Standardized interpretation of chest radiographs represents a critical clinical need, particularly in healthcare environments that operate without onsite specialist radiology services. To address this gap, researchers employed the Delphi technique, a flexible methodology widely utilized across healthcare disciplines to establish consensus on priorities and develop clinical practice guidelines.

The development protocol began with a preliminary 21-item checklist created by the research team, which was then subjected to iterative refinement by an expert panel. Nine clinical experts registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa took part in the study, comprising four radiologists, four radiographers, and one medical doctor. Across two iterative rounds of review and revision, the panel evaluated the items, ultimately establishing consensus through expert approval of the finalized version.

The completed 35-item checklist establishes explicit criteria for image evaluation, supports diagnostic pattern recognition, and standardizes professional communication between radiographers and medical practitioners. The authors concluded that the tool was created specifically for radiographers to use in collaboration with medical doctors in hospitals operating without radiologists, noting that it may serve as a foundation for clinical guidelines, professional education, and training.

Subject of Research: Development of a checklist for chest radiograph interpretation

Article Title: Development of a checklist for interpreting chest radiographs: a modified Delphi technique

Article References: Sethole, K. M., Mshunqane, N., & Kekana, M. (2026). Development of a checklist for interpreting chest radiographs: a modified Delphi technique. BMC Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-16070-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-026-16070-0

Keywords: chest radiographs, radiology, Delphi technique, SCIEPR checklist, radiographers, medical doctors, clinical consensus, image evaluation, Development, checklist, interpreting, chest