Benard Botwe1, Cyril Schandorf2, Stephen Inkoom3, Augustine Faanu4. 1. Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana, Legon; Radiography Department, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Collegue of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu Campus, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: sirbenard13@gmail.com. 2. Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana, Legon. 3. Medical Physics Department, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana; Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana. 4. Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana, Legon; Radiological and Non-ionizing Radiation Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Accra, Ghana.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In Ghana, there is a need to document computed tomography (CT) infrastructure and management systems for the development of interventions to promote CT practices while ensuring patient protection through the establishment of diagnostic reference levels and improved dose management systems. METHODS: A quantitative inquiry using a descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used to collect data, using a semistructured questionnaire related to CT infrastructure and management from the technical heads responsible for CT scanners. Data collected included the scanner characteristics, basic management system and organizational arrangements, number of attending practitioners, clinical indications for CT examinations, and the operation of CT facilities in Ghana. RESULTS: Of the 35 CT scanners installed across the country, 31 were involved in the study. The majority (29%) were Toshiba models. Equipment slices ranged from 1 to 640, of which 45.2% were 16-slice scanners. Many (n = 28, 90.3%) were functioning, and most were installed in the capital city, Accra. The equipment mean age was 7.3 ± 4.4 years, and 25.6% were 10 or more years old. There were 107 operating radiographers, 60 reporting radiologists, and 10 medical physicists employed across the facilities. A total of 204,760 CT examinations were performed yearly (6.8 CT procedures per 1000 people in Ghana). Head CT procedures were the most common, and suspicion of cerebrovascular accident or stroke (32.8%) was the most common indication. Some basic quality management system and policy driving CT infrastructure in Ghana were lacking. CONCLUSION: The results have provided essential information on the status of CT infrastructure and management systems for policy development and planning in CT facilities in Ghana. This study provides those interested in CT services, jobs, or medical equipment investment in Ghana the information needed to make appropriate decisions.
INTRODUCTION: In Ghana, there is a need to document computed tomography (CT) infrastructure and management systems for the development of interventions to promote CT practices while ensuring patient protection through the establishment of diagnostic reference levels and improved dose management systems. METHODS: A quantitative inquiry using a descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used to collect data, using a semistructured questionnaire related to CT infrastructure and management from the technical heads responsible for CT scanners. Data collected included the scanner characteristics, basic management system and organizational arrangements, number of attending practitioners, clinical indications for CT examinations, and the operation of CT facilities in Ghana. RESULTS: Of the 35 CT scanners installed across the country, 31 were involved in the study. The majority (29%) were Toshiba models. Equipment slices ranged from 1 to 640, of which 45.2% were 16-slice scanners. Many (n = 28, 90.3%) were functioning, and most were installed in the capital city, Accra. The equipment mean age was 7.3 ± 4.4 years, and 25.6% were 10 or more years old. There were 107 operating radiographers, 60 reporting radiologists, and 10 medical physicists employed across the facilities. A total of 204,760 CT examinations were performed yearly (6.8 CT procedures per 1000 people in Ghana). Head CT procedures were the most common, and suspicion of cerebrovascular accident or stroke (32.8%) was the most common indication. Some basic quality management system and policy driving CT infrastructure in Ghana were lacking. CONCLUSION: The results have provided essential information on the status of CT infrastructure and management systems for policy development and planning in CT facilities in Ghana. This study provides those interested in CT services, jobs, or medical equipment investment in Ghana the information needed to make appropriate decisions.
Authors: Philip Narteh Gorleku; Klenam Dzefi-Tettey; Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie; Jacob Setorglo; Albert Dayor Piersson; Ishmael Nii Ofori; Isaac Frimpong Brobbey; Emmanuel Worlali Fiagbedzi; Edmund Kwadwo Kwakye Brakohiapa Journal: Heliyon Date: 2021-04-07