Review of annual compliance of low-dose CT for lung cancer screening among internal medicine resident physicians in a university teaching program.

Abstract

e19187 Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 2.1 million newly diagnosed cases each year. A large percentage of cases are detected at an advanced stage, making treatment recalcitrant. Only about 15% are diagnosed at an early stage, highlighting the significance of timely screening. USPSTF recommends annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55-80, who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers, or former smokers who have quit within the last 15 years. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, as well as the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), recommend annual screening with LDCT until a person is no longer a candidate for definitive treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the compliance with annual LDCT based on USPSTF guidelines among internal medicine residents from the University of Connecticut residency program at a Clinic in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Methods: Patients who were under the care of internal medicine residents and who had undergone an initial LDCT for lung cancer screening were included. A total of 61 medical charts were reviewed. Three patients were diagnosed with lung cancer and nineteen patients had their initial LDCT in 2019, and therefore excluded. Results: Out of the 39 patients, 10 patients (25.64%) had a follow-up annual LDCT performed, 2 patients before the annual mark due to various clinical concerns, and 9 patients (23%) in the following 24-48 months. 6 patients (15.38%) had a repeat LDCT ordered but was not done or it was canceled. 12 patients (30.77%) had no repeat LDCT ordered at 12 months. Overall, 69.23% had no follow-up CT at 12 months, and 46.15% with no follow up CT at all at the time of chart review. Conclusions: Based on our analysis, follow-up annual LDCT scans for lung cancer screening on patients under the care of residents-in-training are not being ordered frequently enough. The failure to order annual LDCT could be due to a false sense of relief with a normal initial LDCT, the lack of provider’s awareness of USPSTF guidelines, or insurance issues. Educating primary care providers on the importance of follow-up annual LDCT will ensure early detection and decrease mortality from lung cancer in high risk patient population.