Implementation of a computed tomography dose management program across a multinational healthcare organization

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Radiation dose index monitoring (RDIM) systems offer potential for CT dose reduction.
• Variability and complexity in imaging procedures pose challenges to consistent dose optimization and standardization.
• A European healthcare network sought to address these challenges through a structured program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of standardizing and optimizing CT protocols.
• To implement a Dose Excellence Program within a European healthcare network.
• To achieve consistent radiation dose optimization across multiple countries.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team developed standardized organizational adult CT protocols and radiation dose index (RDI) thresholds.
• Baseline RDIM data were collected (Phase I, 2015), followed by protocol implementation and monitoring (Phase II, 2016).
• Radiation dose optimization was initiated (Phase III, 2017), with data analyzed across three common protocols and grouped by country.

Main Results:

• Analysis included 9588 (Chest), 12638 (Head), and 6093 (TAP) examinations.
• Post-program implementation, mean RDIs were below organizational reference levels in all countries for the three protocols.
• Significant CTDIvol reductions were observed: 45% (Chest, Switzerland), 32% (Head, Turkey), and 28% (TAP, Switzerland).

Conclusions:

• The Dose Excellence Program successfully unified protocols and optimized radiation dose across a multinational healthcare organization.
• Multidisciplinary engagement enhances RDIM system use for CT dose management in international settings.
• Standardizing CT practices with defined protocols is crucial before radiation dose optimization.