Keywords:
Education and training, Education, CT, Radiographers, Lung
Authors:
T. Arai1, C. Nagashima1, Y. Muramatsu1, K. Murao1, I. Yamaguchi2, N. Ushio3, K. hanai1, M. Kaneko1; 1Tokyo/JP, 2Sakai/JP, 3Otsu/JP
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-0918
Aims and objectives
Low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer was first reported in 1996 for early detection of lung cancer.1 In 2006,
a study suggested that the 10-year survival rate of Stage 1 lung cancer cases,
identified by lung cancer CT screenings,
might approach 90%.2 Data indicating an approximately 20% decrease in mortality rate were reported in the lung cancer CT examination for a conventional chest radiograph image as a result of a randomized controlled trial by the NLST Team in 2011.3 Physicians and radiological technologists performing lung cancer CT screenings require education,
and training and experience,
and the screenings to be performed require certification to a certain level or higher to ensure accuracy of CT examination.
In Japan,
a joint examination meeting of six academic committee members was held in March 2007 to establish a CT examination certification system,
and the purpose and forms of the projects were discussed.
In April 2009,
an organization for the “Accreditation Council for Lung Cancer CT Screening” was established,
and accredited projects for doctors and radiological technologists began.
In addition,
to ensuring accuracy and consistency of CT scanner,
a first reader (usually physician) of the “Double Reading system” involving two physicians,
was demanded to radiological technologist.
In about 10 years,
approved 1243 lung cancer CT certified technologist ( Fig. 1 ).4 In this report,
based on the 10 years data on accredited projects of lung cancer CT approved technologists,
particularly analyzed changes in the exam passing rates and considered the future education requirements of certified technologists.