Keywords:
CNS, Neuroradiology brain, Emergency, CT, MR-Diffusion/Perfusion, Ultrasound-Colour Doppler, Audit and standards, Diagnostic procedure, Acute, Ischaemia / Infarction
Authors:
O. Abdulla1, D. Waddington2, N. Russell2; 1Bangor/UK, 2Whitehaven /UK
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-0603
Conclusion
This audit showed poor compliance with national guidelines in imaging TIAs.
recommendations were made to improve adherence to the standard practice,
including the following:
- local referral protocols should be agreed between primary and secondary care to facilitate the timely assessment of people who have had a TIA or minor stroke
- investing in imaging services to diagnose TIA and stroke as management of subsequent risk of stroke will result in savings to acute care costs,
where more strokes will be prevented.
- establishing a clear pathway for managing TIA locally in the hospital to be used in A&E and MAU.
- establishing a pathway for carotid intervention.
- liaison with radiology department to determine if there is a feasible mechanism for expediting investigations (e.g.
reserved slots) and to allow development of agreed pathways for imaging,
and
- assessment of where the delays are; in requesting a radiological investigation or in delivering the service by the radiology department?