Audit on Compliance to Guidelines in CT Scanning for Urolithiasis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Adherence to the ALARA principle is crucial for optimizing radiation doses in CT imaging.
• Quality control processes are essential for ensuring compliance with established imaging procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a quality control process on compliance with abdominal CT imaging protocols for urolithiasis.
• To assess the effectiveness of repeated procedural reminders in improving and sustaining compliance.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 517 abdominal CT examinations for urolithiasis across three hospitals.
• Initial audit to measure compliance, followed by a procedural reminder, and a subsequent audit three months later.
• Comparison with an audit conducted five years prior to assess long-term compliance trends.

Main Results:

• First audit compliance ranged from 41.67% to 64.8%.
• Post-reminder compliance improved significantly in two hospitals, ranging from 50% to 76.10%.
• Compliance decreased by year five, highlighting the need for ongoing audits.

Conclusions:

• Quality control and procedural reminders can temporarily enhance compliance with CT imaging protocols.
• Sustained compliance requires more frequent or continuous monitoring of adherence to procedures.
• Regular audits are necessary to maintain optimal radiation dose management in CT examinations.