Effect of clinical audits of radiation use in one hospital district in Finland

Auditor recommendations resulting from three clinical audit rounds in Finnish radiology units

Background The purpose of clinical audits performed in radiology units is to reduce the radiation dose of patients and staff and to implement evidence-based best practices. Purpose To describe auditor recommendations in three Finnish clinical audit rounds performed in 2002-2014, and to determine if auditor recommendations have had any impact on improving medical imaging practice. Material and Methods The retrospective observational study was performed in radiology units holding a radiation safety license issued by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The data comprised a systematic sample (n = 120) of auditor reports produced in three auditing rounds in these units during the years 2002-2014. The data were analyzed by descriptive methods and by using the Friedman two-way ANOVA test. Results The number of auditor recommendations given varied between clinical audit rounds and according to the type of imaging unit, as well as according to calculation method. Proportionally, the most recommendations in all three clinical audit rounds were given about defining and using quality assurance functions and about guidelines and practices for carrying out procedures involving radiation exposure. Demanding radiology units improved their practices more than basic imaging units towards the third round. Conclusion Auditor recommendations help to address the deficiencies in imaging practices. There is a need to develop uniform guidelines and to provide tutoring for clinical auditors in order to produce comparable clinical audit results.

How Well Are We Respecting Patient Privacy in Medical Imaging? Lessons Learnt From a Departmental Audit

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Preservation of patient privacy and dignity are basic requirements for all patients visiting a hospital. The purpose of this study was to perform an audit of patients' satisfaction with privacy whilst in the Department of Medical Imaging (MI) at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Outpatients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), and plain film (XR) examinations were provided with a survey on patient privacy. The survey asked participants to rank (on a 6-point scale ranging from 6 = excellent to 1 = no privacy) whether their privacy was respected in 5 key locations within the Department of MI. The survey was conducted over a consecutive 5-day period.

RESULTS

A total of 502 surveys were completed. The survey response rate for each imaging modality was: 55% MRI, 42% CT, 45% US, and 47% XR. For each imaging modality, the total percentage of privacy scores greater than or equal to 5 were: 98% MRI, 96% CT, 94% US, and 92% XR. Privacy ratings for the MRI reception and waiting room areas were significantly higher in comparison to the other imaging modalities (P = .0025 and P = .0227, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Overall, patient privacy was well respected within the Department of MI.