The survey, conducted in early 2007 and results released in early 2008, followed much the same format as its predecessors in 1991, 1997 and 2002. "We are very pleased with how the survey was conducted," said RadioGraphics Editor William W. Olmsted, M.D. "These surveys give us an opportunity to see where we are and give us a chance to make positive changes for the future of the journal."

The results reflect satisfaction with changes made to RSNA's educational journal over the last several years. Seventy percent of respondents agreed that the journal is better today than it was five years ago, confirming steady increases in satisfaction since 1991. RadioGraphics was launched in 1981 and Dr. Olmsted has been editor since 1990.

Radiologists in both private and academic practices are devoting more time to reading RadioGraphics, according to the survey. A majority of respondents—72.3 percent—answered that they read a single issue for an hour or more, compared with 66.5 percent in 2002 and 64.6 percent in 1997. Many spent even longer—28.6 percent of readers in academics or research and 50 percent of those in clinical practice responded that they read an issue for two or more hours, an increase from 37 percent in 2002 and 34.4 percent in 1997. Three-quarters of all respondents agreed that RadioGraphics is a "must-read."

More Online Presence on the Horizon

The survey also revealed trends that will influence RadioGraphics in the future. RadioGraphics online was more widely used in 2007, compared with assessment done in prior years. The number of total respondents who read RadioGraphics online climbed from 21 percent in 2002 to 41 percent in 2007, with 67 percent of international respondents reading the online version. Most North American respondents indicated they still prefer to read RadioGraphics in print but are saving the print copies for shorter periods of time. "When you look at the survey, you see that people still like the print version a lot," said Dr. Olmsted. "But we recognize that journal reading and search patterns in radiology are changing." As a result, he said, RSNA is exploring ways to make RadioGraphics more interactive in print and online.

"For example, the future might bring a condensed print version with a beautiful cover, weighty abstracts, teaching points and two or three of the key images, and then readers could look at the online version for more detail," Dr. Olmsted said. When readers want to save or share specific articles, he added, they can print individual PDFs for easier portability.

The majority of international readers prefer to view RadioGraphics online, according to the survey. To further increase outreach to the international community, RadioGraphics publication guidelines will be translated into eight languages to facilitate submissions from international authors, said Dr. Olmsted.

Overall Quality of RadioGraphics Compared to 5 Years Ago
Journal is better today	69.8%
No difference	28.8%
Journal was better 5 years ago	1.3%

Opinions Concerning RadioGraphics Online—2007	Strongly Agree	Agree
Shortens time spent searching for article of interest	57.8%	30.7%
Shortens time spent reviewing the literature in radiology	46.4%	36.7%

Actions Taken as a Result of Reading RadioGraphics—2007
Saved an article	88.9%
Called an article to the attention of a colleague	81.0%
Adapted a new process or modified a procedure	68.8%
*Multiple responses allowed. Percentages may not add up to 100.

Changes Will Enhance CME

Plans are also in place to increase online CME offerings from 10 or 11 credits to 12 or 13 credits per issue, starting in September 2008. Dr. Olmsted emphasized that continuing education credits are now necessary for maintenance of certification in the U.S. and other nations will follow suit. "We intend to further promote CME offerings when maintenance of certification efforts gear up in the international community," he said. Overall, RadioGraphics readers are currently receiving about 10,000 credits per issue.

Other changes inspired by the survey results include moving the Quality Initiatives, Informatics and Lifelong Learning sections toward the front of the journal for better recognition. Additionally, given that a third of the respondents were unaware of RadioGraphics online or its special features—including subspecialty collections and teaching points—Dr. Olmsted anticipates an editorial explaining how to use RadioGraphics online.

RadioGraphics Valued for Clinical Usefulness

When asked to compare the usefulness of leading radiology journals, 78.5 percent of all respondents and 84.5 percent of international respondents made RadioGraphics their first or second choice as the "most useful" publication in their practices. Almost all respondents reported that they save articles from RadioGraphics or call them to the attention of colleagues and 69 percent said they adapted a process or modified a procedure after reading about it in RadioGraphics. "That type of impact is what a clinical journal strives to achieve," said Dr. Olmsted.