UK national audit of safety checks for radiology interventions

To reaudit the use of safety checklists in radiology departments in NHS departments throughout the UK.

This audit was performed on behalf of The Royal College of Radiologists Audit Committee in 2016 and was sent to radiology audit leads at every NHS department in the UK to determine the use of safety checks in various modalities and subspecialties. Free-form text boxes gathered data on problems with checklist implementation.

109/177 (62%) trusts responded. 48% of respondents used safety checklists for all radiological procedures in all modalities. 50% used checklists for some procedures. 2% did not use a checklist. Checklist use had increased since the previous audit (98% 2016, compared to 94% in 2012) but implementation for different procedures remains variable. For example, in ultrasound-guided fine needle and breast stereotactic procedures (49%), use has not increased since 2012.

Reasons for not using checklists include a perception that intervention suite checklists were not appropriate for minor procedures and the limited flexibility of radiology information systems. The limitations of checklists are discussed.

Our reaudit shows that in spite of increased implementation, use of safety checks is variable. Local ownership and radiology information system flexibility are needed to support the culture of safety processes in radiology departments.