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Whitebird RR, Solberg LI, Chu P, Smith-Bindman R. Strategies for Dose Optimization: Views From Health Care Systems. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:534-541. [PMID: 35227651 PMCID: PMC9083375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in CT have facilitated widespread use of medical imaging while increasing patient lifetime exposure to ionizing radiation. PURPOSE To describe dose optimization strategies used by health care organizations to optimize radiation dose and image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative study of semistructured interviews conducted with 26 leaders from 19 health care systems in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Interviews focused on strategies that were used to optimize radiation dose at the organizational level. A directed content analysis approach was used in data analysis. RESULTS Analysis identified seven organizational strategies used by these leaders for optimizing CT dose: (1) engaging radiologists and technologists, (2) establishing a CT dose committee, (3) managing organizational change, (4) providing leadership and support, (5) monitoring and benchmarking, (6) modifying CT protocols, and (7) changes in equipment and work rules. CONCLUSIONS Leaders in these health systems engaged in specific strategies to optimize CT dose within their organizations. The strategies address challenges health systems encounter in optimizing CT dose at the organizational level and offer an evolving framework for consideration in dose optimization efforts for enhancing safety and use of medical imaging.
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Kwok K, Hasan N, Duloy A, Murad F, Nieto J, Day LW. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy radiation and fluoroscopy safety in GI endoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc 2021; 94:685-697.e4. [PMID: 34399965 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2021.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Kwok
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nazia Hasan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, NorthBay Healthcare, Fairfield, California, USA
| | - Anna Duloy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Faris Murad
- Department of Gastroenterology, FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Illinois, USA
| | - Jose Nieto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Borland Groover Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Lukejohn W Day
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
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Implementation of a computed tomography dose management program across a multinational healthcare organization. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:9188-9197. [PMID: 34003348 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Radiation dose index monitoring (RDIM) systems may help identify CT dose reduction opportunities, but variability and complexity of imaging procedures make consistent dose optimization and standardization a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility to standardize and optimize CT protocols through the implementation of a Dose Excellence Program within a European healthcare network. METHODS The Dose Excellence Program consisted of a multidisciplinary team that developed standardized organizational adult CT protocols and thresholds for relevant radiation dose indices (RDIs). Baseline data were collected retrospectively from the RDIM (Phase I, 2015). Organization's protocols were implemented and monitored from the RDIM for deviations (Phase II, 2016). Following standardization, radiation dose optimization was initiated (Phase III, 2017). Data from the three most used protocols were retrospectively extracted and grouped by country for all phases. The mean number of series (RS) and RDIs were compared between phases and with organizational reference levels. A Mann-Whitney test was conducted; p < .05 was considered as significant. RESULTS Data from 9588, 12638, and 6093 examinations were analyzed from General Chest, General Head, and Thorax/Abdomen/Pelvis (TAP) multiphase respectively. Overall, after Phase III, mean RS and CTDIvol p75 were below the organizational reference levels in all countries for the three protocols. The CTDIvol decreased by 45% in Switzerland (p < .00001), 32% in Turkey (p < .00001), and 28% in Switzerland (p = .0027) for General Chest, General Head, and TAP multiphase respectively. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a Dose Excellence Program within a large-scale healthcare organization allowed unifying protocols and optimizing radiation dose across countries. KEY POINTS • Engaging a multidisciplinary team can enhance the use of an RDIM system for CT dose management in a multinational healthcare environment. • Deep dive of baseline data and standardization of CT practices by defining organizational clinical indication CT protocols with RPIDs is an essential step before optimization of radiation dose. • Following the implementation of the program, the mean RS and CTDIvol were below or equal to the organizational reference levels in all countries.
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Radiation dose monitoring in computed tomography: Status, options and limitations. Phys Med 2020; 79:1-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Rajiah P, Guild J, Browning T, Venkataraman V, Abbara S. A Comprehensive CT Radiation Dose Reduction and Protocol Standardization Program in a Complex, Tertiary Hospital System. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2020; 49:340-346. [PMID: 32571659 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present our experience in reducing CT radiation doses in a complex tertiary health system through CT protocol standardization and optimization. METHODS A CT radiation task force was created to reduce CT protocol heterogeneity and radiation doses. Redundant protocols were eliminated. By an iterative process, protocols with least radiation dose were identified. Radiation dose tracking software was used to store and analyze radiation doses. CT protocols were published in an intranet site after training of technologists. SOPs were established for maintaining and changing protocols. The radiation doses for each CT protocol before and after optimization were compared using geometric means. RESULTS A total of 222 CT protocols were reviewed, with elimination of 86 protocols. One-year follow-up showed homogeneous protocols with lower radiation doses. The improvement in radiation doses ranged from 23% to 58% (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION CT radiation dose reduction of up to 58% can be achieved by homogenizing and optimizing CT protocols through a comprehensive CT operations program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Rajiah
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Jeffrey Guild
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Travis Browning
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Suhny Abbara
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Zygmont ME, Neill R, Dharmadhikari S, Duong PAT. Achieving CT Regulatory Compliance: A Comprehensive and Continuous Quality Improvement Approach. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2020; 49:306-311. [PMID: 32178932 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) represents one of the largest sources of radiation exposure to the public in the United States. Regulatory requirements now mandate dose tracking for all exams and investigation of dose events that exceed set dose thresholds. Radiology practices are tasked with ensuring quality control and optimizing patient CT exam doses while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. Meeting regulatory requirements necessitates the development of an effective quality program in CT. This review provides a template for accreditation compliant quality control and CT dose optimization. The following paper summarizes a large health system approach for establishing a quality program in CT and discusses successes, challenges, and future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Zygmont
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Rebecca Neill
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Environmental Health and Safety Office, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shalmali Dharmadhikari
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Environmental Health and Safety Office, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Phuong-Anh T Duong
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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Sethi S, Barakat MT, Friedland S, Banerjee S. Radiation Training, Radiation Protection, and Fluoroscopy Utilization Practices Among US Therapeutic Endoscopists. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:2455-2466. [PMID: 30911863 PMCID: PMC7313385 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05564-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluoroscopy use during ERCP exposes patients and providers to deleterious effects of radiation. Formal training in fluoroscopy/radiation protection is not widely emphasized during therapeutic endoscopy training, and radiation use during GI endoscopy has not previously been characterized in the USA. In this study, we evaluated radiation training, fluoroscopy use patterns, and radiation protection practices among US therapeutic endoscopists. METHODS An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to US therapeutic endoscopists, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. State-specific requirements for fluoroscopy utilization were determined from state radiologic health branches. RESULTS A total of 159 endoscopists (response rate 67.8%) predominantly those working in university hospitals (69.2%) with > 5 years of experience performing ERCP (74.9%) completed the questionnaire. Although the majority of endoscopists (61.6%) reported that they personally controlled fluoroscopy during ERCP, most (56.6%) had not received training on operating their fluoroscopy system. Only a minority (18-31%) of all respondents reported consistently utilizing modifiable fluoroscopy system parameters that minimize patient radiation exposure (pulsed fluoroscopy, frame rate modification or collimation). Endoscopists appear to undertake adequate personal radiation protective measures although use of a dosimeter was not consistent in half of respondents. The majority of states (56.8%) do not have any stated requirement for certification of non-radiologist physicians who intend to operate fluoroscopy. CONCLUSIONS Most US gastroenterologists performing ERCP have not received formal training in operating their fluoroscopy system or in minimizing radiation exposure to themselves and to their patients. Such formal training should be included in all therapeutic endoscopy training programs, and fluoroscopy system-specific training should be offered at all hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Sethi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, MC 5244, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Monique T Barakat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, MC 5244, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shai Friedland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, MC 5244, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Subhas Banerjee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, MC 5244, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Smith DA, Arnold WL, Krupinski EA, Powell C, Meltzer CC. Strategic Talent Management: Implementation and Impact of a Leadership Development Program in Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 16:992-998. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Smith P, Blackmore CC, Sicuro P. An Institutional CT Radiation Dose Reduction Quality Improvement Project. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 16:1577-1581. [PMID: 31125542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Smith
- Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Paul Sicuro
- Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
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Hayash S, Nishida T, Matsubara T, Osugi N, Sugimoto A, Takahashi K, Mukai K, Nakamatsu D, Yamamoto M, Fukui K, Inada M. Radiation exposure dose and influencing factors during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207539. [PMID: 30452477 PMCID: PMC6242372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Various endoscopic procedures under fluoroscopic guidance are being rapidly adopted, and radiation exposure is considered to be increasing. However, there is little concern about this issue in gastroenterology practice. This study aims to evaluate the actual radiation exposure dose (RD) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and the factors affecting the RD. Methods In this retrospective, single-center cohort study of 1157 consecutive patients who underwent ERCP between October 2012 and February 2017, we analyzed the influences of patient characteristics, procedure time (min), total fluoroscopy time (min), type of processing engine, experience of the endoscopist, and type of disease on the total RD (mGy). Results The median procedure times were 28 min for common bile duct stones (CBDS), 25 min for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), and 30 min for proximal MBO. Similarly, the median fluoroscopy times were 10.3, 8.8, and 13.4 min, and the median RDs were 167, 123, and 242 mGy, respectively. Proximal MBO required significantly longer procedure time and fluoroscopy time and resulted in greater RD than distal MBO (P = 0.0006, <0.0001, <0.0001) and CBDS (P = 0.015, <0.0001, <0.0001). Multiple linear regression showed that distal MBO and a novel processing engine negatively correlate with RD (P = 0.04, <0.0001) and that proximal MBO positively correlates with RD (P = 0.0001). Discussion Procedure time and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer for proximal MBO than for CBDS and distal MBO. The type of disease and processing engine significantly influenced the RD during ERCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Hayash
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Hayashi Clinic, Osaka, Suita, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Tokuhiro Matsubara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Naoto Osugi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Aya Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Mukai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Dai Nakamatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Masashi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Koji Fukui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Masami Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
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Barakat MT, Thosani NC, Huang RJ, Choudhary A, Kochar R, Kothari S, Banerjee S. Effects of a Brief Educational Program on Optimization of Fluoroscopy to Minimize Radiation Exposure During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 16:550-557. [PMID: 28804031 PMCID: PMC5809234 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly performed by therapeutic endoscopists, many of whom have not received formal training in modulating fluoroscopy use to minimize radiation exposure. Exposure to ionizing radiation has significant health consequences for patients and endoscopists. We aimed to evaluate whether a 20-minute educational intervention for endoscopists would improve use of fluoroscopy and decrease ERCP-associated exposure to radiation for patients. METHODS We collected data from 583 ERCPs, performed in California from June 2010 through November 2012; 331 were performed at baseline and 252 following endoscopist education. The educational intervention comprised a 20-minute video explaining best practices for fluoroscopy, coupled with implementation of a formal fluoroscopy time-out protocol before the ERCP was performed. Our primary outcome was the effect of the educational intervention on direct and surrogate markers of patient radiation exposure associated with ERCPs performed by high-volume endoscopists (HVEs) (200 or more ERCPs/year) vs low-volume endoscopists (LVEs) (fewer than 200 ERCPs/year). RESULTS At baseline, total radiation dose and dose area product were significantly higher for LVEs, but there was no significant difference between HVEs and LVEs following education. Education was associated with significant reductions in median fluoroscopy time (48% reduction for HVEs vs 30% reduction for LVEs), total radiation dose (28% reduction for HVEs vs 52% for LVEs) and dose area product (35% reduction for HVEs vs 48% reduction for LVEs). All endoscopists significantly increased their use of low magnification and collimation following education. CONCLUSIONS A 20-minute educational program with emphasis on ideal use of modifiable fluoroscopy machine settings results in an immediate and significant reduction in ERCP-associated patient radiation exposure for low-volume and high-volume endoscopists. Training programs should consider radiation education for advanced endoscopy fellows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Subhas Banerjee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California.
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Brimhall B, Edmundowicz S. Simple, Low-Cost Educational Interventions Can Reduce Radiation Exposure. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 16:488-490. [PMID: 29248732 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Brimhall
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Steven Edmundowicz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Patient Dose Monitoring and Focus on Nuclear Medicine Imaging Examinations. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 15:88-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Paden RG, Pavlicek W, Hara A. Radiation Optimization in an Academic Training Program. J Am Coll Radiol 2017; 14:1462-1463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kubo T, Ohno Y, Seo JB, Yamashiro T, Kalender WA, Lee CH, Lynch DA, Kauczor HU, Hatabu H. Securing safe and informative thoracic CT examinations—Progress of radiation dose reduction techniques. Eur J Radiol 2017; 86:313-319. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Quarterly Reporting of Computed Tomography Ordering History Reduces the Use of Imaging in an Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 2016; 52:684-689. [PMID: 27955985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) is a useful and necessary part of many emergency department (ED) assessments. However, the costs of imaging and the health risks associated with radiation exposure have sparked national efforts to reduce CT ordering in EDs. STUDY OBJECTIVE We analyzed CT ordering habits prior to and following implementation of a feedback tool at a community hospital. METHODS In this intervention study, we identified the CT-ordering habits of physicians and mid-level care providers (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) at baseline and after implementation of a system that sent quarterly feedback reports comparing their ordering habits with those of their peers. Variability in ordering and subgroup analyses by body region were included in these reports. RESULTS We examined the records of 104,454 patients seen between October 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. There were 5552 or 21.0% of patients seen during the baseline period that underwent CT imaging. We observed an absolute reduction in imaging of 2.3% (95% confidence interval 1.7-2.8%) after implementation, avoiding approximately $400,000 in costs, 22 days of scanning time, and radiation exposure equivalent to 33,000 chest films annually. These changes occurred across physicians and mid-level providers, regardless of the number years of practice or board certification. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a feedback mechanism reduced CT use by emergency medicine practitioners, with concomitant reductions in cost and radiation exposure. The change was similar across levels of medical care. Future studies will examine the effect of the feedback reporting system at other institutions in our hospital network.
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Targeted CT Dose Reduction Using a Novel Dose Metric and the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry: Application to Thoracic CT Angiography. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2016; 207:1039-1045. [PMID: 27556580 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.16.16428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to illustrate the use of the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry data with a novel measurement of exposure to guide quality improvement efforts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using information from the Dose Index Registry report covering July through December 2012, we examined our relative ranking compared with the national median CT dose for the 20 most frequently performed examinations at our institution. The total exposure variance, defined as the difference between institutional and median national dose multiplied by the local examination frequency and expressed in units of mGy-persons, was calculated. Using this metric, two examinations were selected for investigation: pulmonary and thoracic CT angiography (CTA). Protocol modifications were implemented, and postintervention dose data were assessed from the report 1 year later. RESULTS As indicated by size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs), the 2012 pulmonary CTA was within the national interquartile range; however, total exposure variance analysis showed that it presented the greatest opportunity for improvement on a population basis. Thoracic CTA was a top quartile examination and offered the second highest potential savings. After protocol modification, the average pulmonary CTA SSDEs decreased by 16%, for a population exposure savings of 1776 mGy-persons in the 2013 report. Average thoracic CTA SSDEs decreased by 44%, for a population exposure savings of 1050 mGy-persons. CONCLUSION Total exposure variance analysis can increase the usefulness of Dose Index Registry data by relating per-examination dose differences to the local examination frequency. This study exhibited reduction of dose metrics for two commonly performed examinations.
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Cox K, Olaiya B, Alexander L, Singh K, Benayoun M, Duszak R, Nandwana SB. Implementation of an Academic Medical Center CT Dose Reduction Program at a Newly Acquired Community Hospital. J Am Coll Radiol 2016; 13:1219-1222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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