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Barium enema utilization within a defined geographic region: a survey
D K Rex1, J C Lappas, D D Maglinte
1Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46223.
Gastrointestinal Radiology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Barium enema (BE) utilization in Indiana hospitals mirrors global trends, with no significant differences based on hospital size or community. However, practices vary widely, and consensus on performance remains elusive.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Barium enema (BE) is a diagnostic imaging technique.
- Previous studies have reported BE utilization in major medical centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey barium enema utilization in Indiana's community hospitals.
- To compare Indiana's BE usage with international data from major medical centers.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to all 118 hospital-based radiology departments in Indiana.
- Data collected included the use of single contrast BE (SCBE) and double contrast BE (DCBE) for various indications.
Main Results:
- Indiana's community hospital BE utilization rates were comparable to those in major medical centers worldwide.
- No significant differences in SCBE or DCBE use were observed between small and large hospitals or communities.
- Wide variations in overall BE technique usage were noted among Indiana hospitals.
- While often performed without prior sigmoidoscopy, 60% of hospitals performed BE on the same day as flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Conclusions:
- Barium enema use in Indiana community hospitals aligns with patterns seen in major medical centers.
- Similar to major centers, there is a lack of consensus on optimal BE performance protocols among Indiana hospitals.