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Aripoli A, Gurney M, Sourk RF, Ash R, Walker CM, Peterson J, Huppe A, Smith C, Walter C, Clark L, Winblad O. The Impact of Closed-Loop Imaging on Actionable CT-Detected Breast Findings. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:1024-1032. [PMID: 38220037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Closed-loop imaging programs (CLIPs) are designed to ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up, but a review of incidental CT-detected breast findings in the setting of CLIPs has not been performed. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of CT reports at a single academic institution from July 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022, to identify reports with recommendations for breast imaging follow-up. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate patient adherence to follow-up, CLIP intervention, subsequent BI-RADS assessment, and diagnosis. Adherence was defined as diagnostic breast imaging performed within 6 months of the CT recommendation. RESULTS Follow-up recommendations for breast imaging were included in CT report impressions for 311 patients. Almost half of patients (47.3% [147 of 311]) underwent follow-up breast imaging within 6 months, yielding breast cancer diagnoses in 12.9% (19 of 147) and a biopsy-proven positive predictive value of 65.5% (19 of 29). Most patients who returned for follow-up within 6 months did so without CLIP intervention. The majority of CT report impressions in the follow-up group (85.0% [125 of 147]) contained specific recommendations for "diagnostic breast imaging." For patients who did not receive follow-up, the CLIP team tracked all cases and intervened in 19.1% (28 of 147). The most common intervention was a phone call and/or fax to the primary care provider. Outpatient CT examination setting and specific recommendation for diagnostic breast imaging were significantly associated with higher follow-up adherence (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Actionable CT-detected breast findings require follow-up diagnostic breast imaging because of a relevant cancer detection rate of 12.9%. Although many patients return for breast imaging without intervention, almost half of patients did not receive follow-up and may account for a significant number of missed cancer diagnoses. Specific CT recommendation verbiage is associated with higher follow-up adherence, which can be addressed across settings even without CLIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Aripoli
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
| | - Madeleine Gurney
- Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Rebecca Flynn Sourk
- Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Ryan Ash
- Vice Chair, Vice Chair of Quality and Safety, and Medical Director, Department of Radiology, Abdominal Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Department of Radiology, Cardiothoracic Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jessica Peterson
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Ashley Huppe
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Camron Smith
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Section, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Carissa Walter
- Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lauren Clark
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Onalisa Winblad
- Division Director of Breast Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Loftus JR, Kadom N, Baran TM, Hans K, Waldman D, Wandtke B. Impact of Early Direct Patient Notification on Follow-Up Completion for Nonurgent Actionable Incidental Radiologic Findings. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:558-566. [PMID: 37820835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether early direct patient notification in addition to an existing multistage recommendation-tracking system (Backstop) increases follow-up completion rates for actionable incidental findings (AIFs). Patient attitudes toward early notification were also assessed. METHODS This prospective, randomized controlled trial recruited patients with AIFs requiring follow-up being enrolled into the Backstop system. Patients were randomized into four groups: those receiving additional early direct notification in a mailed letter (group 1, similar to Pennsylvania Act 112), by phone (group 2), or in an electronic portal message (group 3) and a control group (group 4) without additional notifications added to the existing Backstop system. Differences in follow-up completion rates among these groups were determined using χ2 tests. Patients were surveyed on binary yes/no and Likert-type scale questions, and descriptive statistics are reported. RESULTS Data from 2,548 randomized patients were analyzed for the study, including 593 patients notified by letter, 637 notified by phone, 701 notified by portal, and 617 control patients. Group 3 demonstrated the lowest rate of follow-up completion within 1 month of the follow-up due date at 36.4%, compared with 58.7% for group 1, 60.4% for group 2, and 53.2% for group 4 (P < .0001 for all). Group 2 was the only group to have a significantly higher completion rate than group 4 (P = .014). Patients responded positively regarding early notification and preferred electronic portal communication. CONCLUSIONS Early direct notification had a mixed impact on follow-up completion rates on the basis of communication modality but was positively received by patients and may have health care benefits when implemented within a recommendation-tracking system.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ryan Loftus
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
| | - Nadja Kadom
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia; Chair, ACR Metrics Committee; Interim Medical Director for Radiology Quality, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Timothy M Baran
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Kristen Hans
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - David Waldman
- Chief Medical IT Development Officer and Associate Vice President, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Ben Wandtke
- Vice Chair of Quality and Safety, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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Kadom N, Lasiecka ZM, Nemeth AJ, Rykken JB, Lui YW, Seidenwurm D. Patient Engagement in Neuroradiology: A Narrative Review and Case Studies. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024; 45:250-255. [PMID: 38216301 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The field of patient engagement in radiology is evolving and offers ample opportunities for neuroradiologists to become involved. The patient journey can serve as a model that inspires patient engagement initiatives. The patient journey in radiology may be viewed in 5 stages: 1) awareness that an imaging test is needed, 2) considering having a specific imaging test, 3) access to imaging, 4) imaging service delivery, and 5) ongoing care. Here, we describe patient engagement opportunities based on literature review and paired with case studies by practicing neuroradiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Kadom
- From the Emory University School of Medicine (N.K.), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Alexander J Nemeth
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital (A.J.N.), Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Yvonne W Lui
- New York University, Grossman School of Medicine (Y.W.L.), New York, New York
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Sumner C, Kietzman A, Kadom N, Frigini A, Makary MS, Martin A, McKnight C, Retrouvey M, Spieler B, Griffith B. Medical Malpractice and Diagnostic Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:233-241. [PMID: 37741730 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Medicolegal challenges in radiology are broad and impact both radiologists and patients. Radiologists may be affected directly by malpractice litigation or indirectly due to defensive imaging ordering practices. Patients also could be harmed physically, emotionally, or financially by unnecessary tests or procedures. As technology advances, the incorporation of artificial intelligence into medicine will bring with it new medicolegal challenges and opportunities. This article reviews the current and emerging direct and indirect effects of medical malpractice on radiologists and summarizes evidence-based solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sumner
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University (C.S., N.K.), Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Nadja Kadom
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University (C.S., N.K.), Atlanta, GA
| | - Alexandre Frigini
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine (A.F.), Houston, TX
| | - Mina S Makary
- Department of Radiology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (M.S.M.), Columbus, OH
| | - Ardenne Martin
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (A.M.), New Orleans, LA
| | - Colin McKnight
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (C.M.), Nashville, TN
| | - Michele Retrouvey
- Department of Radiology, Eastern Virginia Medical School/Medical Center Radiologists (M.R.), Norfolk, VA
| | - Bradley Spieler
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (B.S.), New Orleans, LA
| | - Brent Griffith
- Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Health (B.G.), Detroit, MI.
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Zygmont ME, Ikuta I, Nguyen XV, Frigini LAR, Segovis C, Naeger DM. Clinical Decision Support: Impact on Appropriate Imaging Utilization. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:1433-1440. [PMID: 36336523 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Zygmont
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Ichiro Ikuta
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Neuroradiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Xuan V Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Colin Segovis
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David M Naeger
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Department of Radiology, Denver CO, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Calvillo AÁG, Kodaverdian LC, Garcia R, Lichtensztajn DY, Bucknor MD. Patient-level factors influencing adherence to follow-up imaging recommendations. Clin Imaging 2022; 90:5-10. [PMID: 35907273 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine which, if any, patient-level factors were associated with differences in completion of follow-up imaging recommendations at a tertiary academic medical center. METHODS In this IRB-approved, retrospective cohort study, approximately one month of imaging recommendations were reviewed from 2017 at a single academic institution that contained key words recommending follow-up imaging. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, smoking history, primary language, BMI, and home address were recorded via chart extraction. Home addresses were geocoded to Census Block Groups and assigned to a quintile of neighborhood socioeconomic status. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate each predictor variable with significance set to p = 0.05. RESULTS A total of 13,421 imaging reports that included additional follow-up recommendations were identified. Of the 1013 included reports that recommended follow-up, 350 recommended additional imaging and were analyzed. Three hundred eight (88.00%) had corresponding follow-up imaging present and the insurance payor was known for 266 (86.36%) patients: 146 (47.40%) had commercial insurance, 35 (11.36%) had Medicaid, and 85 (27.60%) had Medicare. Patients with Medicaid had over four times lower odds of completing follow-up imaging compared to patients with commercial insurance (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.88, p = 0.032). Age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking history, primary language, BMI, and neighborhood socioeconomic status were not independently associated with differences in follow-up imaging completion. CONCLUSION Patients with Medicaid had decreased odds of completing follow-up imaging recommendations compared to patients with commercial insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ángel-González Calvillo
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, 513 Parnassus Ave., Suite S-245, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | | | - Roxana Garcia
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, 513 Parnassus Ave., Suite S-245, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Daphne Y Lichtensztajn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St., 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Matthew D Bucknor
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry St., Suite 350, Lobby 6, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA.
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Voreis S, Mattay G, Cook T. Informatics Solutions to Mitigate Legal Risk Associated With Communication Failures. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:823-828. [PMID: 35654145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Communication failures are a documented cause of malpractice litigation against radiologists. As imaging volumes have increased, and with them the number of findings requiring further workup, radiologists are increasingly expected to communicate with ordering clinicians. However, communication may be unsuccessful for a variety of reasons that expose radiologists to potential malpractice risk. Informatics solutions have the potential to improve communication and decrease this risk. We discuss human-powered, purely automated, and hybrid approaches to closing the communications loop. In addition, we describe the Patient Test Results Information Act (Pennsylvania Act 112) and its implications for closing the loop on noncritical actionable findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahodat Voreis
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Govind Mattay
- John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Tessa Cook
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Chief, 3-D and Advanced Imaging; Codirector, Center for Practice Transformation in Radiology; Fellowship Director, Imaging Informatics; Member, ACR Informatics Commission; Vice Chair, ACR Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care; Past Cochair, ACR Informatics Summit.
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8
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Kadom N, Venkatesh AK, Shugarman SA, Burleson JH, Moore CL, Seidenwurm D. Novel Quality Measure Set: Closing the Completion Loop on Radiology Follow-up Recommendations for Noncritical Actionable Incidental Findings. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:881-890. [PMID: 35606263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care gaps occur when radiology follow-up recommendations are poorly communicated or not completed, resulting in missed or delayed diagnosis potentially leading to worse patient outcomes. This ACR-led initiative assembled a technical expert panel (TEP) to advise development of quality measures intended to improve communication and drive increased completion rates for radiology follow-up recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multistakeholder TEP was assembled to advise the development of quality measures. The project scope, limited to noncritical actionable incidental findings (AIFs), encourages practices to develop and implement systems ensuring appropriate communication and follow-up to completion. RESULTS A suite of nine measures were developed: four outcome measures include closing the loop on completion of radiology follow-up recommendations for nonemergent AIFs (with pulmonary nodule and abdominal aortic aneurysm use cases) and overall cancer diagnoses. Five process measures address communication and tracking of AIFs: inclusion of available evidence or guidelines informing the recommendation, communication of AIFs to the practice managing ongoing care, identifying when AIFs have been communicated to the patient, and employing tracking and reminder systems for AIFs. CONCLUSION This ACR-led initiative developed a measure set intended to improve patient outcomes by ensuring that AIFs are appropriately communicated and followed up. The intent of these measures is to focus improvement on specific areas in which gaps in communication and AIF follow-up may occur, prompting systems to devote resources that will identify and implement solutions to improve patient care.
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