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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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Akyea-Larbi KO, Tetteh MA, Martinsen ACT, Hasford F, Inkoom S, Jensen K. BENCHMARKING OF A NEW AUTOMATIC CT RADIATION DOSE CALCULATOR. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 191:361-368. [PMID: 33151301 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Information on patient radiation dose is essential to meet the radiation protection regulations and the demands of dose optimization. Vendors have developed different tools for patient dose assessment for radiological purposes. In this study, estimated effective doses derived from a new image-based software tool (DoseWatch, GE Healthcare) was benchmarked against the corresponding doses from a dose calculator (CT-Expo, SASCRAD) and a conversion coefficient method. Dose data from 150 adult patients (66 male and 84 female), who underwent CT head, abdominopelvic or chest examinations, were retrospectively collected using DoseWatch. Effective dose estimated by DoseWatch was significantly lower than that of CT-Expo and DLP-E (k) (p ≤ 0.001). For the organ doses, DoseWatch resulted in lower dose than CT-Expo for all the organs with the exception of testis (p ≤ 001) and eye lenses (p ≤ 0.026).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi Okyere Akyea-Larbi
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 25 Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mercy Afadzi Tetteh
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Catrine T Martinsen
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, N-0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Francis Hasford
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 25 Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, LG 80 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Inkoom
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 25 Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, LG 80 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kristin Jensen
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Tsapaki V. Radiation dose optimization in diagnostic and interventional radiology: Current issues and future perspectives. Phys Med 2020; 79:16-21. [PMID: 33035737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Tsapaki
- Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria.
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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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5
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Demb J, Chu P, Nelson T, Hall D, Seibert A, Lamba R, Boone J, Krishnam M, Cagnon C, Bostani M, Gould R, Miglioretti D, Smith-Bindman R. Optimizing Radiation Doses for Computed Tomography Across Institutions: Dose Auditing and Best Practices. JAMA Intern Med 2017; 177:810-817. [PMID: 28395000 PMCID: PMC5818828 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Radiation doses for computed tomography (CT) vary substantially across institutions. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of institutional-level audit and collaborative efforts to share best practices on CT radiation doses across 5 University of California (UC) medical centers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this before/after interventional study, we prospectively collected radiation dose metrics on all diagnostic CT examinations performed between October 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, at 5 medical centers. Using data from January to March (baseline), we created audit reports detailing the distribution of radiation dose metrics for chest, abdomen, and head CT scans. In April, we shared reports with the medical centers and invited radiology professionals from the centers to a 1.5-day in-person meeting to review reports and share best practices. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We calculated changes in mean effective dose 12 weeks before and after the audits and meeting, excluding a 12-week implementation period when medical centers could make changes. We compared proportions of examinations exceeding previously published benchmarks at baseline and following the audit and meeting, and calculated changes in proportion of examinations exceeding benchmarks. RESULTS Of 158 274 diagnostic CT scans performed in the study period, 29 594 CT scans were performed in the 3 months before and 32 839 CT scans were performed 12 to 24 weeks after the audit and meeting. Reductions in mean effective dose were considerable for chest and abdomen. Mean effective dose for chest CT decreased from 13.2 to 10.7 mSv (18.9% reduction; 95% CI, 18.0%-19.8%). Reductions at individual medical centers ranged from 3.8% to 23.5%. The mean effective dose for abdominal CT decreased from 20.0 to 15.0 mSv (25.0% reduction; 95% CI, 24.3%-25.8%). Reductions at individual medical centers ranged from 10.8% to 34.7%. The number of CT scans that had an effective dose measurement that exceeded benchmarks was reduced considerably by 48% and 54% for chest and abdomen, respectively. After the audit and meeting, head CT doses varied less, although some institutions increased and some decreased mean head CT doses and the proportion above benchmarks. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Reviewing institutional doses and sharing dose-optimization best practices resulted in lower radiation doses for chest and abdominal CT and more consistent doses for head CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Demb
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Philip Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Thomas Nelson
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - David Hall
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Anthony Seibert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
| | - Ramit Lamba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
| | - John Boone
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
| | - Mayil Krishnam
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Maryam Bostani
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Robert Gould
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Diana Miglioretti
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
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Inoue Y, Nagahara K, Hayakawa N, Hanawa H, Hata H. MONITORING DOSE-LENGTH PRODUCT IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE CHEST CONSIDERING SEX AND BODY WEIGHT. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2016; 171:375-381. [PMID: 26371084 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dose-length product (DLP) is widely used as an indicator of the radiation dose in computed tomography. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of sex and body weight in DLP-based monitoring of the radiation dose. Eight hundred computed tomographies of the chest performed using four different scanners were analysed. The DLP was compared with body weight by linear regression in men and women separately. The DLP was positively correlated with body weight, and dependence on sex and weight differed among scanners. Standard DLP values adjusted for sex and weight facilitated interscanner comparison of the radiation dose and its dependence on sex and weight. Adjusting the DLP for sex and weight allowed one to identify examinations with possibly excessive doses independently of weight. Monitoring the DLP in relation to sex and body weight appears to aid detailed comparison of the radiation dose among imaging protocols and scanners and daily observations to find unexpected variance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nagahara
- Department of Radiology, Kitasato University Hospital, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naomichi Hayakawa
- Department of Radiology, Kitasato University Hospital, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hironori Hanawa
- Department of Radiology, Kitasato University Hospital, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hata
- Department of Radiology, Kitasato University Hospital, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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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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8
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Parakh A, Kortesniemi M, Schindera ST. CT Radiation Dose Management: A Comprehensive Optimization Process for Improving Patient Safety. Radiology 2016; 280:663-73. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016151173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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9
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Kalra MK, Sodickson AD, Mayo-Smith WW. CT Radiation: Key Concepts for Gentle and Wise Use. Radiographics 2016; 35:1706-21. [PMID: 26466180 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2015150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Use of computed tomography (CT) in medicine comes with the responsibility of its appropriate (wise) and safe (gentle) application to obtain required diagnostic information with the lowest possible dose of radiation. CT provides useful information that may not be available with other imaging modalities in many clinical situations in children and adults. Inappropriate or excessive use of CT should be avoided, especially if required information can be obtained in an accurate and time-efficient manner with other modalities that require a lower radiation dose, or non-radiation-based imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to appropriate use of CT, the radiology community also must monitor scanning practices and protocols. When appropriate, high-contrast regions and lesions should be scanned with reduced dose, but overly zealous dose reduction should be avoided for assessment of low-contrast lesions. Patients' cross-sectional body size should be taken into account to deliver lower radiation dose to smaller patients and children. Wise use of CT scanning with gentle application of radiation dose can help maximize the diagnostic value of CT, as well as address concerns about potential risks of radiation. In this article, key concepts in CT radiation dose are reviewed, including CT dose descriptors; radiation doses from CT procedures; and factors and technologies that affect radiation dose and image quality, including their use in creating dose-saving protocols. Also discussed are the contributions of radiation awareness campaigns such as the Image Gently and Image Wisely campaigns and the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannudeep K Kalra
- From the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.K.K.); and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (A.D.S., W.W.M.S.)
| | - Aaron D Sodickson
- From the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.K.K.); and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (A.D.S., W.W.M.S.)
| | - William W Mayo-Smith
- From the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.K.K.); and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (A.D.S., W.W.M.S.)
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10
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The Value of Imaging Part II: Value beyond Image Interpretation. Acad Radiol 2016; 23:23-9. [PMID: 26683509 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although image interpretation is an essential part of radiologists' value, there are other ways in which we contribute to patient care. Part II of the value of imaging series reviews current initiatives that demonstrate value beyond the image interpretation. Standardizing processes, reducing the radiation dose of our examinations, clarifying written reports, improving communications with patients and providers, and promoting appropriate imaging through decision support are all ways we can provide safer, more consistent, and higher quality care. As payers and policy makers push to drive value, research that demonstrates the value of these endeavors, or lack thereof, will become increasingly sought after and supported.
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Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is central to the detection and diagnosis of a wide variety of pulmonary, cardiovascular, and other diseases of the chest. Successful interpretation of thoracic CT requires both an appreciation of the spectrum of normal appearances of the chest and a systematic approach to the characterization of thoracic pathology. This article provides an introduction to basic CT techniques and protocols, a review of normal CT anatomy, and an overview of commonly encountered abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent P Little
- Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA.
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