Automated Tracking of Follow-Up Imaging Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Radiology reports frequently include recommendations for follow-up imaging.
• Non-adherence to these recommendations can negatively impact patient outcomes and increase liability.
• Accurate tracking of adherence is crucial for quality improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the adherence rates to follow-up imaging recommendations.
• To analyze adherence variations across different imaging modalities and institutions.

Main Methods:

• Extracted radiology examination data and report text from two large academic medical centers (University of Washington and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center) between June 2015 and July 2017.
• Utilized algorithms to detect imaging recommendations and track follow-up examinations within specified timeframes.
• Calculated adherence rates, excluding mammography, using a matcher algorithm with 76.5% accuracy.

Main Results:

• Follow-up imaging recommendation rates were 11.4% (UW) and 20.9% (LHMC).
• Overall follow-up imaging adherence rates were 51.9% (UW) and 52.0% (LHMC), excluding mammography.
• Adherence rates varied significantly by modality, ranging from 30.1% (fluoroscopy) to 63.2% (ultrasound).

Conclusions:

• Follow-up imaging adherence rates differ significantly by modality and institution.
• Patient engagement initiatives are essential for improving adherence.
• Monitoring adherence and critically evaluating recommendation patterns can inform standardization and risk mitigation strategies.