Keywords:
Lung, CT, Cost-effectiveness, Education, Structured reporting, Outcomes, Patterns of Care
Authors:
M. P. Brassil1, C. O Rourke1, C. O Brien1, J. Feeney2; 1Dublin/IE, 2Dublin, Dublin/IE
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-0189
Results
The initial audit revealed 50 patients underwent Non-contrast CT Thorax for surveillance of incidentally detected pulmonary nodules.
Had the new criteria been applied to the preceding study reports,
23 of these studies would not have been recommended.
This would represent a 46% reduction in our departmental lung nodule follow up studies and save an entire day’s CT list every 2 months.
The discussion around these findings was largely positive and a total of 16 questionnaires were completed (7 consultants and 9 residents).
Despite a number of concerns regarding solitary nodules measuring up to 6mm in low risk patients not being followed up,
all respondents were happy to comply with the guidelines in future reporting.
A number of radiologists felt that lack of provided clinical information limited their ability to recommend a follow up interval due to unknown risk factors.
The final prospective audit revealed an 88% rate of compliance with guidelines,
with the remaining 12% of reports recommending further interval surveillance,
which was deemed surplus to recommendations.