Justification of CT scans using referral guidelines for imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) justification is crucial for patient safety and radiation dose optimization.
• Existing good practice guides aim to standardize CT procedure appropriateness.
• Assessing adherence to these guides is essential for quality improvement in pediatric radiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency of justifying individual computed tomography (CT) procedures based on a good practice guide.
• To analyze the conformity of CT scans with recommendations in a Romanian pediatric emergency hospital.
• To estimate patient doses associated with these CT examinations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT scan conformity with a good practice guide.
• Estimation of patient doses for the analyzed CT procedures.
• Analysis of the implications of international radiation safety standards (IAEA) and EU directives (2013/59/EURATOM).

Main Results:

• Approximately one-third of CT examinations did not conform to the good practice guide's recommendations.
• Unclear provisions within the guide were identified as a factor affecting conformity.
• Patient doses were estimated, highlighting the need for optimized scan justification.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for improved adherence to CT justification guidelines in pediatric settings.
• Clarification of guide provisions and enhanced education for medical doctors are essential.
• Implementing targeted training programs can improve the justification of individual CT scans and patient safety.