Christina Heilmaier1, Reto Treier2, Elmar Max Merkle3,4, Hatem Alkadhi3,5, Dominik Weishaupt3,6, Sebastian Schindera3,7. 1. Swiss Society of Radiology; c/o: ecos Office Center, Bellerivestrasse 11, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland. Christina.Heilmaier@usz.ch. 2. Federal Office of Health, Schwarzenburgstrasse 157, CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland. 3. Swiss Society of Radiology; c/o: ecos Office Center, Bellerivestrasse 11, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland. 4. Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland. 5. Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland. 6. Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Stadtspital Triemli Zurich, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, CH-8063, Zurich, Switzerland. 7. Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, CH-5001, Aarau, Switzerland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: A nationwide survey was performed assessing current practice of dose data analysis in computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All radiological departments in Switzerland were asked to participate in the on-line survey composed of 19 questions (16 multiple choice, 3 free text). It consisted of four sections: (1) general information on the department, (2) dose data analysis, (3) use of a dose management software (DMS) and (4) radiation protection activities. RESULTS: In total, 152 out of 241 Swiss radiological departments filled in the whole questionnaire (return rate, 63%). Seventy-nine per cent of the departments (n = 120/152) analyse dose data on a regular basis with considerable heterogeneity in the frequency (1-2 times per year, 45%, n = 54/120; every month, 35%, n = 42/120) and method of analysis. Manual analysis is carried out by 58% (n = 70/120) compared with 42% (n = 50/120) of departments using a DMS. Purchase of a DMS is planned by 43% (n = 30/70) of the departments with manual analysis. Real-time analysis of dose data is performed by 42% (n = 21/50) of the departments with a DMS; however, residents can access the DMS in clinical routine only in 20% (n = 10/50) of the departments. An interdisciplinary dose team, which among other things communicates dose data internally (63%, n = 76/120) and externally, is already implemented in 57% (n = 68/120) departments. CONCLUSION: Swiss radiological departments are committed to radiation safety. However, there is high heterogeneity among them regarding the frequency and method of dose data analysis as well as the use of DMS and radiation protection activities. KEY POINTS: • Swiss radiological departments are committed to and interest in radiation safety as proven by a 63% return rate of the survey. • Seventy-nine per cent of departments analyse dose data on a regular basis with differences in the frequency and method of analysis: 42% use a dose management software, while 58% currently perform manual dose data analysis. Of the latter, 43% plan to buy a dose management software. • Currently, only 25% of the departments add radiation exposure data to the final CT report.
OBJECTIVES: A nationwide survey was performed assessing current practice of dose data analysis in computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All radiological departments in Switzerland were asked to participate in the on-line survey composed of 19 questions (16 multiple choice, 3 free text). It consisted of four sections: (1) general information on the department, (2) dose data analysis, (3) use of a dose management software (DMS) and (4) radiation protection activities. RESULTS: In total, 152 out of 241 Swiss radiological departments filled in the whole questionnaire (return rate, 63%). Seventy-nine per cent of the departments (n = 120/152) analyse dose data on a regular basis with considerable heterogeneity in the frequency (1-2 times per year, 45%, n = 54/120; every month, 35%, n = 42/120) and method of analysis. Manual analysis is carried out by 58% (n = 70/120) compared with 42% (n = 50/120) of departments using a DMS. Purchase of a DMS is planned by 43% (n = 30/70) of the departments with manual analysis. Real-time analysis of dose data is performed by 42% (n = 21/50) of the departments with a DMS; however, residents can access the DMS in clinical routine only in 20% (n = 10/50) of the departments. An interdisciplinary dose team, which among other things communicates dose data internally (63%, n = 76/120) and externally, is already implemented in 57% (n = 68/120) departments. CONCLUSION: Swiss radiological departments are committed to radiation safety. However, there is high heterogeneity among them regarding the frequency and method of dose data analysis as well as the use of DMS and radiation protection activities. KEY POINTS: • Swiss radiological departments are committed to and interest in radiation safety as proven by a 63% return rate of the survey. • Seventy-nine per cent of departments analyse dose data on a regular basis with differences in the frequency and method of analysis: 42% use a dose management software, while 58% currently perform manual dose data analysis. Of the latter, 43% plan to buy a dose management software. • Currently, only 25% of the departments add radiation exposure data to the final CT report.
Authors: Rebecca Smith-Bindman; Michelle Moghadassi; Nicole Wilson; Thomas R Nelson; John M Boone; Christopher H Cagnon; Robert Gould; David J Hall; Mayil Krishnam; Ramit Lamba; Michael McNitt-Gray; Anthony Seibert; Diana L Miglioretti Journal: Radiology Date: 2015-05-19 Impact factor: 11.105
Authors: Marilyn J Goske; Kimberly E Applegate; Dorothy Bulas; Priscilla F Butler; Michael J Callahan; Brian D Coley; Steven Don; Donald P Frush; Marta Hernanz-Schulman; Sue C Kaste; Gregory Morrison; Manrita Sidhu; Keith J Strauss; S Ted Treves Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2011-08-17