Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2016
Keywords:
Action 10 - Improved communication and collaboration of health professionals in radiation protection, Action 6 - Education and training in medical radiation protection, Action 1 - Clinical decision support, clinical imaging guidelines, Action 1 - Guidelines, implementation policies, and Clinical Decision Support (ESR iGuide), Action 8 - Radiation protection training and learning material, Action 13 - Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Authors:
C. Reid, S. Soin, C. Fang, M. A. rafique
DOI:
10.1594/esi2016/ESI-0040
Description of activity and work performed
Fig. 1: Abdominal Intervention
METHOD:
This was a retrospective study of all abdominal radiographs requested by the Emergency department over a 4 week period in November 2011.
The indication of the abdominal radiograph,
the result of the film and whether further images were obtained,
were noted.
An intervention was put in place and a re-audit was completed in December 2014.
STANDARD:
100% of abdominal radiographs requested are to meet RCR iRefer guidelines
RESULTS 1ST ROUND:
173 abdominal radiographs were requested in 26 days (6.65 per day).
Only 59% of the requests in this audit had an appropriate indication.
76% were unremarkable and 24% showed abnormal findings.
40% of patients had further imaging.
1ST ACTION PLAN:
The radiology department circulated educational posters throughout the hospital with examples of appropriate indications.
The posters also provided some education with regards to radiation dose of abdominal radiographs and alternative methods of investigation.
Radiographers now discuss abdominal radiograph requests if they are not indicated according to guidelines and seek advice from the duty radiologist.
RESULTS 2ND ROUND:
The audit cycle was completed in December 2014.
54 abdominal radiographs were requested in 18 days (3 per day).
100% of abdominal radiographs requested were found to be appropriate.
We also found a 55% reduction in number of films requested.
As before,
75% were unremarkable and 42% of patients went on to have further imaging.