Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2016
Keywords:
Action 11 - Improved patient communication, Action 10 - Improved communication and collaboration of health professionals in radiation protection, Action 3 - Optimisation, diagnostic reference levels, image quality, Action 2 - Clinical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), Action 13 - Stakeholder engagement and collaboration, Action 12 - Information for and communication with patients
Authors:
D. P. Frush, K. J. Strauss, S. Cater
DOI:
10.1594/esi2016/ESI-0018
Conclusion and Recommendations
1. Action Item 3: “…measures to maintain radiation doses within diagnostic reference levels…” include actions embraced by the Image Gently Alliance,
such as committee leadership,
document review,
advising for those organizations with authority (e.g.,
regulatory) for DRLs.
2. Organizations for patient radiation protection/awareness information and communication share missions and should interface to optimize use of resources.
3. Registries are useful in establishing DRLs: “In order to generate national DRLs for the US,
institutions where these procedures are performed should submit radiation dose metrics to a central dose registry.” [http://www.epa.gov/radiation/federal-guidance-report-no-14-radiation-protection-guidance-diagnostic-and-interventional].
Important considerations include:
a. Automated entry
b. Inclusive of spectrum of practice (e.g.,
academic,
community based)
c. Provide for geographic analysis
4. DRLs may vary based on a variety of considerations,
including
a.
Access to resources (e.g.,
dose reduction advancements)
b. Practitioner preferences and training
c.
Degree of commitment and effort of a facility’s leaders toward managing patient radiation doses while maintaining diagnostic image quality