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Walther F, Eberlein-Gonska M, Hoffmann RT, Schmitt J, Blum SFU. Measuring appropriateness of diagnostic imaging: a scoping review. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:62. [PMID: 37052758 PMCID: PMC10102275 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In radiology, the justification of diagnostic imaging is a key performance indicator. To date, specific recommendations on the measurement of appropriateness in diagnostic imaging are missing. To map the study literature concerning the definition, measures, methods and data used for analyses of appropriateness in research of diagnostic imaging. We conducted a scoping review in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Two independent reviewers undertook screening and data extraction. After screening 6021 records, we included 50 studies. National guidelines (n = 22/50) or American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (n = 23/50) were used to define and rate appropriateness. 22/50 studies did not provide methodological details about the appropriateness assessment. The included studies varied concerning modality, amount of reviewed examinations (88-13,941) and body regions. Computed tomography (27 studies, 27,168 examinations) was the most frequently analyzed modality, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (17 studies, 6559 examinations) and radiography (10 studies, 7095 examinations). Heterogeneous appropriateness rates throughout single studies (0-100%), modalities, and body regions (17-95%) were found. Research on pediatric and outpatient imaging was sparse. Multicentric, methodologically robust and indication-oriented studies would strengthen appropriateness research in diagnostic imaging and help to develop reliable key performance indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Walther
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Quality and Medical Risk Management, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Maria Eberlein-Gonska
- Quality and Medical Risk Management, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf-Thorsten Hoffmann
- Institute and Polyclinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sophia F U Blum
- Quality and Medical Risk Management, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute and Polyclinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Hammer M, Mian M, Elhadad L, Li M, Roifman I. Appropriate utilization of cardiac computed tomography for the assessment of stable coronary artery disease. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:154. [PMID: 33771107 PMCID: PMC7995786 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-01957-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Appropriate use criteria (AUC) have been developed in response to growth in cardiac imaging utilization and concern regarding associated costs. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as an important modality in the evaluation of coronary artery disease, however its appropriate utilization in actual practice is uncertain. Our objective was to determine the appropriate utilization of CCTA in a large quaternary care institution and to compare appropriate utilization pre and post publication of the 2013 AUC guidelines. We hypothesized that the proportion of appropriate CCTA utilization will be similar to those of other comparable cardiac imaging modalities and that there would be a significant increase in appropriate use post AUC publication. Methods We employed a retrospective cohort study design of 2577 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2016. An appropriateness category was assigned for each CCTA. Appropriateness classifications were compared pre- and post- AUC publication via the chi-square test. Results Overall, 83.5% of CCTAs were deemed to be appropriate based on the AUC. Before the AUC publication, 75.0% of CCTAs were classified as appropriate whereas after the AUC publication, 88.0% were classified as appropriate (p < 0.001). The increase in appropriate utilization, when extrapolated to the Medicare population of the United States, was associated with potential cost savings of approximately $57 million per year. Conclusions We report a high rate of appropriate use of CCTA and a significant increase in the proportion of CCTAs classified as appropriate after the AUC publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hammer
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Muhtashim Mian
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Levi Elhadad
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mary Li
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Idan Roifman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Medicine and Medical Imaging, Adjunct Scientist, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room M315, Toronto, ON, M4N-3M5, Canada.
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Validation of Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography for Chest Pain Evaluation in a Tertiary Care Emergency Room. J Thorac Imaging 2020; 35:193-197. [DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Randomized Clinical Trial of a Clinical Decision Support Tool for Improving the Appropriateness Scores for Ordering Imaging Studies in Primary and Specialty Care Ambulatory Clinics. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 213:1015-1020. [PMID: 31310183 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.21511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether the use of a clinical decision support (CDS) tool improved the appropriateness scores of orders for advanced imaging in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We used a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a CDS tool in an integrated health care system. Clinicians entered structured indications for each CT and MRI order, and the indications were electronically scored against appropriateness criteria to assign an appropriateness score. We compared the proportion of orders with adjusted appropriateness scores of 7 or greater (on a 1-9 scale) before and after activation of best practice alerts (BPAs) triggered for orders with low or marginal appropriateness scores. Secondary outcomes included the rate per month of orders for advanced imaging and the proportion of orders for which the radiology department requested changes. RESULTS. Between October 2015 and February 2016, 941 clinicians ordered 22,279 CT or MRI studies that met eligibility criteria. Before activation of the BPA, the mean proportion of appropriate orders (adjusted for time and clinic effect) was 77.0% (95% CI, 75.5-78.4%), which increased to 80.1% (95% CI, 78.7-81.5%) after activation (p = 0.001). There was no significant change in the rate of orders per month for advanced imaging. The proportion of order changes requested by the radiology department decreased from 5.7% (95% CI, 5.6-5.9%) before CDS implementation to 5.3% (95% CI, 5.1-5.5%) after CDS implementation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. Using an evidence-based CDS tool in clinical practice was associated with a modest but significant improvement in the appropriateness scores of advanced imaging orders.
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Fang W, Wang CH, Yu YF, Wang LH, Tang DH, Xu DB, Ding ZY, Gu WH. The feasibility of 1-stop examination of coronary CT angiography and abdominal enhanced CT. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11651. [PMID: 30095622 PMCID: PMC6133558 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of performing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) with 1-time injection of the agent.CCTA images (right coronary artery, left anterior descending coronary artery, and left circumflex coronary artery) were collected from 20 patients who completed a 1-stop combined examination of CCTA and abdominal enhanced CT (group A), 20 patients who only underwent abdominal enhanced CT (group B1), and 20 patients who only underwent CCTA (group B2). These images were interpreted using the 5-point Likert scale system by 2 experienced radiologists, and abdominal images were observed for breathing artifact. CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and CTDI were recorded and compare among the 3 groups.The difference in image quality of the coronary and total volume of the contrast agent between group A and group B1 was not statistical significant (P > .05). The CT value and SNR in group B1 (CCTA) (CT: 394.65 ± 59.23, SNR: 17.38 ± 4.13) increased, compare with Group A (CT: 360.35 ± 34.16, SNR: 13.76 ± 1.84, P = .03, .01), while CTDI was undifferentiated between group A (17.14 ± 6.20) and group B1 (18.38 ± 9.79) (P = .64). The difference in CT value and SNR at the arterial phase and CT value at the venous phase between group A (abdomen) and group B2 were statistically significant, the CTDI in group A (9.09 ± 1.05) increased, compared with group B2 (8.23 ± 1.33) (P = .03), and SNR at the venous phase in group B2 (12.50 ± 2.43) increased, compared with group A (10.89 ± 2.03) (P = .03).Revolution CT can capture full images and very rapidly switch to the scan mode, enabling a 1-stop axial CCTA and enhanced helical abdominal scan. The 1-stop combined scan resulted in a satisfactory image quality, which reduced the contrast agent dose and simplified the workflow.The 1-stop combined scan allows for the high success rate of the examination, reduces the number of examinations, and decreases the dose and risk of injection of the contrast agent. This would be helpful for patients to obtain diagnostic images in time.
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Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography: Impact on Diagnostic Utility. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2017; 41:746-749. [PMID: 28915208 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) guidelines for cardiac computed tomography (CCT) were developed to limit testing to reasonable clinical settings. However, significant testing is still done for inappropriate indications. This study investigates the impact of AUC on evaluability of CCT to determine if inappropriate tests result in a greater proportion of nondiagnostic results. METHODS Investigators reviewed the medical records of 2417 consecutive patients who underwent CCT at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. We applied the 2010 AUC and classified them as appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain. Unclassifiable tests, as well as those with uncertain appropriateness, were excluded from the final analysis. Cardiac computed tomography results were classified as diagnostic if (1) all coronary segments were visualized, evaluable, and without obstructive stenosis; or (2) obstructive coronary artery disease with greater than 50% diameter stenosis in at least 1 coronary artery. All other test results were considered nondiagnostic. RESULTS Of the 1984 patients included in the final analysis, 1522 patients (76.7%) had indications that were appropriate, whereas the remaining 462 (23.3%) were inappropriate. Inappropriate tests resulted in a higher rate of nondiagnostic results compared with appropriate CCT (9.0% vs 6.2%, P = 0.034). Inappropriate tests also had significantly more studies with nonevaluable segments than appropriate tests (24.5% vs 16.4%, P < 0.001) and were more likely to reveal obstructive coronary disease than appropriate CCT (50.5% vs 32.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac computed tomography done for inappropriate indications may be associated with lower diagnostic yield and could impact future downstream resource utilization and health care costs.
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Fonseca R, Negishi K, Otahal P, Marwick TH. Temporal changes in appropriateness of cardiac imaging. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:763-773. [PMID: 25720619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate use criteria (AUC) for cardiac imaging have been available for almost 10 years. The extent to which there has been a reported improvement in appropriate use is undefined. OBJECTIVES This study systematically reviewed published evidence to identify whether the promulgation of AUC has led to an improvement in the proportion of appropriate cardiac imaging requests. METHODS Electronic databases were systematically searched for English-language papers related to AUC and cardiovascular imaging. We found 59 reports involving 103,567 tests that were published from 2000 to 2012. The rate of appropriate testing over time was analyzed in a meta-regression. RESULTS New AUC were associated with apparent improvements in appropriateness for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (80% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75 to 0.84] vs. 85% [95% CI: 0.81 to 0.89]), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (89% [95% CI: 0.81 to 0.94] vs. 95% [95% CI: 0.93 to 0.96]) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) (37% [95% CI: 0.21 to 0.55] vs. 55% [95% CI: 0.44 to 0.65]) but not stress echocardiography (53% [95% CI: 0.45 to 0.61] vs. 52% [95% CI: 0.42 to 0.61]) or single-photon emission computed tomography (72% [95% CI: 0.66 to 0.77] vs. 68% [95% CI: 0.60 to 0.74]). Although there were no correlations between the proportion of appropriate TTEs and published year (p = 0.36) for 2007 AUC, there was a positive correlation between proportion of appropriateness and the year of publication (p = 0.01) for 2011 AUC. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of appropriateness over time using the 2007 TEE AUC (p = 0.03) and 2006 CT AUC (p = 0.02). There were no meaningful associations between appropriateness and publication year for stress echocardiography, CTA, or single-photon emission computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS Rates of reported appropriate use in imaging show improvements for TTE and CTA but not for stress imaging and TEE. The observed reductions in imaging studies are not matched by reported rates of appropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Fonseca
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Kazuaki Negishi
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Petr Otahal
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Thomas H Marwick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
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Utsunomiya D, Oda S, Yuki H, Yamamuro M, Tsujita K, Funama Y, Yoshida M, Kidoh M, Ogawa H, Yamashita Y. Evaluation of appropriateness of second-generation 320-row computed tomography for coronary artery disease. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:109. [PMID: 25793150 PMCID: PMC4359191 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-0866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The influence of newer-generation CT on the clinical indications and appropriateness of cardiac CT has not been adequately surveyed. We aimed to evaluate the distribution of appropriateness ratings and test the outcomes of cardiac CT using second-generation 320-row CT. The 2010 appropriate use criteria (AUC) were applied at the point of service to a consecutive series of patients (N = 309) who were referred for cardiac CT. The CT indication was determined based on interviews and medical records. The proportions of patients within the categories of appropriate (A), uncertain (U), inappropriate (I), and not covered were described. The prevalence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) was also compared among the categories. The proportions were 49.2%, 25.9%, and 20.7% for appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate indication, respectively. The indication that was not covered was only 4.2%. Significant CAD was more frequently observed for uncertain- than appropriate indication (42.5% vs 27.6%; P = 0.03), although the number of significant stenosed segments was not different (P = 0.13). The recent advancement of cardiac CT increased the proportion of uncertain scans, which were associated with a high prevalence of significant CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Utsunomiya
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Seitaro Oda
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Hideaki Yuki
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamuro
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tsujita
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Funama
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Morikatsu Yoshida
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Masafumi Kidoh
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Hisao Ogawa
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Yamashita
- Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, 860-8556 Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Japan
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Adherence to the 2010 American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography: Quality Analysis at a Tertiary Referral Center. J Patient Saf 2014; 12:40-3. [PMID: 25136850 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In November 2010, the American College of Cardiology Foundation published revised appropriateness criteria (AC) for cardiac computed tomography (CT). We evaluated adherence to these criteria by providers of different subspecialties at a tertiary referral center. METHODS Reports of 383 consecutive patients who underwent clinically indicated cardiac CT from December 1, 2010, to July 31, 2011, were reviewed by physicians with appropriate training in cardiac CT. Scans were classified as appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain based on the revised 2010 AC. Studies that did not fall under any of the specified indications were labeled as unclassified. Adherence to the AC was also analyzed as a function of provider type. Research scans were excluded from this analysis. RESULTS Three hundred eight exams (80%) were classified as appropriate; 26 (7%), as inappropriate; 30 (8%), as uncertain; and 19 (5%), as unclassified. Of the 19 (5%) unclassified cardiac CT exams, the most common indication was for evaluation of suspected aortic dissection. Three hundred five exams (80%) were referred by cardiologists; 73 (19%), by internists; and 5 (1%), by neurologists. Of the 305 cardiology-referred studies, 221 (73%) were ordered by general cardiologists; 28 (9%), by interventional cardiologists; and 56 (19%), by electrophysiologists. There was no significant difference in adherence to the criteria between provider specialties or between cardiology subspecialties (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS high across provider specialties.
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Barreiro M, Martín M, Renilla A, Díaz E. Utilidad de la coronariografía no invasiva por tomografía computarizada en pacientes asintomáticos. Rev Esp Cardiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Barreiro M, Martín M, Renilla A, Díaz E. Usefulness of coronary computed tomography angiography in asymptomatic patients. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2013; 66:916. [PMID: 24774005 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Barreiro
- Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - María Martín
- Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Alfredo Renilla
- Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Elena Díaz
- Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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