Magnetic Resonance Imaging Requests Research Articles

How much does an MRI change over a period of up to 2years in patients with chronic low back pain? Is a repeated MRI really necessary in the follow-up of patients with chronic low back pain?

Clinical practices vary between healthcare providers when it comes to asking for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) during follow-up for chronic low-back pain (LBP). The association between progressive changes on the MRI and the clinical relevance of these findings is not clearly defined. The objective of our study is to investigate to what extent do MRI findings change during a period less than or equal to two years in patients with chronic LBP. We question the efficacy of its routinary use as a tool for follow-up and we also study the correlation between new changes on MRI and modifications in therapeutic attitude. Data was collected from 468 lumbar spine MRIs from 209 patients undergoing two or more MRIs between January 2015 and December 2019 with a mean of 2.24 MRIs per patient. The evaluated data included diagnosis, reason for request, MRI findings and treatment offered post-MRI. MRIs were assessed according to a standardized scoring system from 0 to 14 points according to the severity in findings (modified Babinska Score). Radiological changes were defined as increased severity of findings in the most affected segment. 51.06% of MRI requests had no documented reason to be asked for. The average score of the findings on the first MRI was 5,733 (SD 2,462) and 6,131 (SD 2,376) on the second, not reaching a statistically significant difference (p = 0.062). There was no difference on the findings between the first and the second MRI in 40, 15% (n = 104) and up to 89, 96% with only mild changes (-1/ + 2 points over 14 possibles). After repeating the MRI, no modification to the treatment plan was made in 44, 79% of patients (n = 116) and only in 11.58% (n = 30) was surgical treatment indicated. The rate of lumbar MRI has risen to an alarming pace without evidence of consequent improvements in patient outcomes. A significant number of repeated MRIs did not show radiological changes, nor did they give rise to further surgical treatment after obtaining these images. This study should help to review the real applications of clinical guides on the appropriate use for image tests.

E011 Magnetic resonance imaging in axial spondyloarthritis: usage, reporting times and scanning times - a service evaluation in a large tertiary centre

Abstract Background/Aims Rapid access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and sacroiliac joints is essential for the timely diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A recent NASS/BRITSpA national FOI survey highlighted deteriorating waiting times to access MRI for the assessment of inflammatory back pain in the UK, with only 73% of Trusts reporting access within 8 weeks, compared to 90% in 2017. In addition, NHS England and the Royal College of Radiologists have recently published a target of 28 days for turn-around time (TAT) for a verified report to be provided after image acquisition in any circumstance. Aims: To evaluate the usage of MRI performed under the “inflammatory back pain protocol” at a large tertiary centre, including the time from MRI request to scan being performed, TAT for reporting and whether this has changed over time. Methods A service evaluation audit was conducted at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT). MRIs of the spine and sacroiliac joints requested between December 2021 and May 2023 under the local “inflammatory back pain protocol” were identified by the radiology department. Data extracted from medical records included: indication for MRI request, time elapsed from request to scan, and from scan to verified report. Results A total of 668 MRI requests were identified. The commonest reason for MRI request was to aid the diagnosis of axSpA 75% (n = 501); followed by disease activity monitoring in established axSpA (16.7%, n = 111) and assessment of axial involvement in peripheral psoriatic arthritis, i.e. diagnosis of axPsA (8.5% n = 57 scans). The majority (92%) had a request to scan time of 8 weeks, with a TAT to report of 4 weeks (77%). However, a greater delay in TAT to verified report was seen from December 2022 to May 2023 with <45% of reports issued within 28 days, despite no change in scanning time. Causes identified were related to local workforce issues including delays in appointing new radiographers and radiology consultants. Conclusion The main reason for request of an MRI under the inflammatory back pain protocol at LTHT is to support making a diagnosis of axSpA. A significant number of patients were scanned for treatment monitoring and to diagnose axial psoriatic arthritis, although data on the utility of MRI for these indications are limited. Whilst nearly all patients were scanned within 2 months at all time periods, the TAT to report has significantly deteriorated since December 2022 in our region, due to workforce issues. Further understanding of the impact of workforce factors on service delivery in rheumatology is required. Disclosure J. Weddell: None. R. Shah: None. P. Robinson: None. A. Barr: None. C. Vandevelde: None. J. Freeston: None. D. McGonagle: None. H. Marzo-Ortega: None.

The Rationality to Requesting in-ward Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation.

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool by its non-invasive/non-ionizing nature. This study aims to determine justification of MRI in hospitalized patients at a tertiary provincial referent medical center in a one-year period. In the present retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study, 438 admitted patients referred for MRI during 2017 were selected using systematic random sampling. The age, gender, investigated organ, the specialty of requesting physician, MRI with and without contrast, MRI diagnostic outcome were collected using checklists. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis. The mean age of the patients was 42±26 years-old and female represented 53% of enrolled patients. The most and less prevalent investigated organs were the cerebrum and the orbit. After excluding cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, and therapeutic follow-up exams, MRI request was oriented in 64.3% and 77.2% of positive results was concordant with aforementioned diagnostic orientation (P<0.001). Oriented diagnostic MRI requesting is influenced by age, medical specialists and, investigated organ (P<0.001). The positive MRI is influenced significantly by oriented MRI request, gender, medical specialists and investigated organ (P<0.001). The diagnosis concordance of MRI is influenced significantly by oriented MRI request, medical specialists and investigated organ (P<0.001). Appropriate implementation of medical imaging requires boosting employed rationality by the concerned physicians. The current suboptimal results to requesting MRI rationality should mandate supplementary educational programs as to incite the medical corpus more closely implementing the published medical practice guidelines.

Is There Utility to Requiring Spine MRI Pre-authorizations? Pre-authorizations: A Single Institution's Perspective.

A retrospective cohort study of a patient undergoing treatment at a single institution's Spine Center. The current study assessed the rates and eventual disposition of pre-authorizations required before spine MRIs are ordered from an academic spine center. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often requires preauthorization by insurance carriers. While there are potential advantages to ensuring consistent indicators for imaging modalities, previous studies have found that such processes can add administrative burdens and barriers to care. Patients from a single academic institution's spine center who were covered by commercial insurance and had a spine MRI ordered between January 2013 and December 2019 were identified. The requirement for preauthorization and eventual disposition of each of these studies was tracked. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine if commercial insurance carriers or anatomic region MRIs were associated with requiring a preauthorization. The eventual disposition of studies associated with this process was tracked. In total, 2480 MRI requests were identified, of which preauthorization was needed for 2122 (85.56%). Relative to cervical spine scans, preauthorization had greater odds of being required for thoracic (OR=2.71, P =0.003) and lumbar (OR=2.46, P <0.001) scans. Relative to a reference insurer, 4 of the 5 commercial carriers had statistically significant increased odds of requiring preauthorization (OR=1.54-10.17 P <0.050 for each).Of the imaging studies requiring preauthorization, peer to peer review was required for 204 (9.61%), and 1,747 (82.33% of all requiring preauthorization) were approved. Of 375 (17.67%) initially cancelled or denied by the preauthorization process, 290 (77.33% of those initially cancelled or denied) were completed within 3 months. In total, only 85 were not eventually approved and completed. Of 2480 distinct MRI orders, commercial insurers required preauthorization for 85.56%. Nonetheless, 96.57% of all scans went on to be completed within 3 months, raising questions about the costs, benefits, and overall value of this administrative process.

Use of magnetic resonance imaging to guide direct repair of penile fractures---a change to the operative paradigm

Penile fractures are an uncommon urological emergency, typically diagnosed on clinical grounds and require urgent operative intervention. Examination findings include penile swelling and bruising, commonly referred to as an “eggplant deformity”. Close palpation to identify the exact site of injury is often limited by pain. Subcoronal degloving, often with concurrent circumcision is the most utilised surgical approach, though risks include skin necrosis and decreased penile sensitivity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for penile fracture diagnosis is increasingly recognised, however, its ability to guide localised longitudinal incisions is currently undefined. A multi-centre retrospective observational study from February 2016 to February 2022 was performed. Electronic medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, presentation, injury characteristics, investigations and operative outcomes. MRI use and protocols were determined at the discretion of the treating urologist and on-duty radiologist respectively. Twenty-one patients were eligible for study inclusion. Ten patients underwent pre-operative MRI. Median time from MRI request to image acquisition was 2.5 hours (1.5–3.0). Time from presentation to surgical intervention did not significantly differ between the two groups. All patients without pre-operative MRI underwent subcoronal degloving. Six patients underwent MRI-guided localised incision successfully without requiring secondary incision or conversion to subcoronal degloving. The remaining four patients in the MRI cohort underwent degloving. Operative times were significantly shorter (p = 0.44) in the pre-operative MRI group, with a median duration of 1.11 hours (0.98–1.17), compared to 1.5 hours (1.20–1.75) in the non-MRI cohort. Median length of stay was 1 day in both groups. No Clavien Dindo 2 or greater complications were observed in any patient. In this study, MRI in the pre-operative setting for penile fractures is associated with reduced operative time and was successfully used to guide localised incisions for direct repair of penile fractures. Its use has the potential to change the paradigm of penile fracture management and operative repair.

Need for and predictability of magnetic resonance imaging examinations in patients with implanted neurostimulators

HintergrundBei steigender Zahl von Magnetresonanztomographie(MRT)-Untersuchungen in der deutschen Gesamtbevölkerung gibt es keine Daten zum Untersuchungsbedarf von Patienten mit implantiertem Neurostimulator in Deutschland. Publizierte Daten aus den USA legen einen hohen Bedarf nahe. Die eingeschränkte MRT-Zulassung der Implantate ist in der täglichen Praxis ein häufiges Problem.ZielIm Fokus steht der MRT-Bedarf dieser Schmerzpatienten und die Vorhersagbarkeit zum Zeitpunkt der Implantation.Material und MethodenEs erfolgte eine retrospektive Auswertung der Datenbank unseres Klinikinformationssystems. Gesucht wurden alle im Zeitraum November 2011 bis März 2019 in unserem Klinikum angeforderten MRT-Untersuchungen für Patienten mit implantiertem Neurostimulator. Zudem erfolgte ein Abgleich mit den im gleichen Zeitraum durchgeführten Implantationen derartiger Stimulationssysteme.ErgebnisseEs konnten 171 durchgeführte MRT-Untersuchungen und 22 Anforderungen ohne nachfolgende Untersuchung ausgewertet werden. Bei 83 von 294 Patienten, die in unserem Zentrum mit implantierten Neurostimulatoren versorgt wurden, erfolgte mindestens eine MRT-Untersuchung in unserem Klinikum. Wir beobachten eine stetig steigende Nachfrage. In 111 von 171 durchgeführten Untersuchungen (65 %) bestand kein Zusammenhang zwischen der zur Implantation führenden Indikation und der Indikation für die MRT. Eine Vorhersagbarkeit konnte nur bei 43 von 193 MRT-Anforderungen (22 %) unterstellt werden.DiskussionPatienten mit implantiertem Neurostimulator haben auch in Deutschland einen hohen Bedarf an MRT-Diagnostik, welcher zum Zeitpunkt der Implantation nicht vorhersagbar ist. Daher sollten ausschließlich MRT-taugliche Systeme implantiert werden. Die Industrie ist aufgefordert, die Implantate und deren Zulassungen an den Bedarf anzupassen.

Exploring the impact of diagnostic imaging decision support embedded in an electronic referral solution on the appropriate ordering of magnetic resonance imaging for patients with knee pain: a retrospective chart review.

Requests for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams have notably increased in Canada. However, many of these exams may not always be indicated. The Joint Department of Medical Imaging and the eReferral Program have worked collaboratively to embed an integrated clinical decision support (DS) tool within the eReferral process for diagnostic imaging requests. This retrospective chart review aimed to assess the necessity of MRI exams for knee pain patients at the point of referral in relation to the referral method (no DS tools within fax- vs. DS tools within eReferral). Seven hundred and seventeen medical charts of routine MRI referral requests to an Ontario Hospital for patients with knee complaints were reviewed during the study period. The necessity of the MRI exams was evaluated using the supporting algorithm and knee pathway appropriateness guidelines. MRI exams were considered necessary if requested for symptoms or signs that align with best-practice standards, complemented with sound clinical assessment or history of a radiography scan before ordering an MRI. In general, MRI requests made through eReferral were 13.289 times more likely to be necessary orders than those made through fax. The likelihood of referring patients for a necessary MRI exam was higher for eReferral than fax for the year 2018/2019 (53.0% vs. 26.8%, P< 0.001) and for the year 2019/2020 (58.5% vs. 16.3%, P< 0.001). In addition, the rate of ordering X-ray as the proper initial imaging scan for patients presenting with knee pain has steadily increased by 10% over the year for users of the eReferral platform compared to a decrease of 7% for those using fax. Our findings highlight the positive impact of integrating DS tools at the point of referral in supporting the ordering of necessary MRI scans, suggesting that service re-design and implementation of automated assistive technology services would impact patient care.

Protocol for the Request of Knee Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Elderly Patients with Suspected Osteoarthritis: Reduction in Test Requests and Impact on Management and Diagnosis.

Objective To develop an evidence-based protocol to guide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requests in elderly patients with suspected knee osteoarthrosis and to evaluate its effectiveness after implementation. Methods The institutional protocol was developed after reviewing the literature during the first semester of 2018. The control group was defined as patients cared for in the first semester of 2018, before the implementation/dissemination of the institutional protocol, and the study group was composed by patients cared for during the second semester of 2018 after the standardization of MRI requests for suspected knee osteoarthrosis. Results Our sample included 826 patients undergoing knee MRI, with a mean age of 69.3 years. Protocol implementation decreased MRI requests and increased radiograph requests ( p < 0.001). After the implementation of the protocol, the MRI changed the diagnosis or treatment in only 11.2% of the cases. Conclusion Protocol implementation resulted in a 47.5% reduction in the number of requests for knee MRI, with most (89%) patients with alteration in diagnosis or treatment. Level of evidence: case-control study (IIIB).

Lasting lessons learnt in the radiology department from the battle with COVID-19

Lasting lessons learnt in the radiology department from the battle with COVID-19

Factors Associated with Requesting Magnetic Resonance Imaging during the Management of Glomus Tumors.

The characteristic clinical presentation of glomus tumors and the low negative predictive value of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) raise the question whether MRI improves their management. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether MRI improved the management of glomus tumors. In total, 87 patients with a histologically confirmed glomus tumor were treated over a 25-year period and analyzed retrospectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent predictors of an MRI request during the management of glomus tumors. ccording to the results, the patients who were treated by orthopaedic surgeons were more likely to have an MRI during the management of a glomus tumor. The role of an MRI during the management of a glomus tumor is unclear. Orthopaedic surgeons are more likely to request an MRI. Furthermore, visible lesions with characteristic symptoms probably do not benefit from MRI. However, it may help to be sure that the highest-quality MRI is used with the best possible coil for the finger.

Appropriateness of magnetic resonance imaging requested by primary care physicians for patients with knee pain.

To evaluate the appropriateness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee requested by primary care physicians. Retrospective observational study. Six primary care centres in the Elche Department of Health of the Valencian Community, Spain. Three hundred patients with knee pain who were prescribed MRI. Data were collected from the electronic clinical history, which allowed us to assess the appropriateness and inappropriateness of the MRI requests for the knee based on the American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with an inappropriate request. About 45% (41-49%) of knee MRI prescriptions were assessed as inappropriate. The frequency was higher in female patients (odds ratio, OR = 1.96; P = 0.03). A history of knee trauma and urgent use of MRI were associated with a lower frequency of inappropriate requests (OR = 0.14, P < 0.001 and OR = 0.32, P = 0.03, respectively). In 82% of cases, the request for MRI was deemed inappropriate because it was used as the initial imaging test. The availability of a previous radiograph of the knee significantly reduced the rate of inappropriate requests (OR = 0.05, P < 0.001); only 47% of the patients had a previous radiograph. The percentage of inappropriate knee MRI prescriptions is high. Protocols should be put in place to improve the appropriateness of MRI requests by promoting understanding of the appropriate use of MRI among primary care physicians.

Retrospective Analysis of Multiple Sclerosis Patient Records in a Turkish reference Center

Objective: This study aims to identify sociodemographic and hospitalization characteristics of the multiple sclerosis (MS) patients admitted to a reference center in Turkey. Patients and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study which reviews MS patient records in 66 months. The study covered between April 1, 2010 and September 30, 2015. Data was collected on age, gender, number of admissions, number of hospitalizations (dates and durations), requests for laboratory tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), existence of disability reports and provision of home care. Total number of admissions for home care was 78. Results: We determined 6996 MS admissions by 1578 patients in 66 months. 65.8% (n: 1038) of patients were females; mean age was 37.0. There were 4.4 admissions per patient. 584 (37.0%) patients had MRI requests. Blood tests were requested in 25% of all admissions. We identified 5213 (74.5%) admissions of 400 (25.3%) patients who have admitted at least five times to the center. For this group, mean admission per patient was 13.0, MRI request per patient was 2.1. 38.7% (n=152) of these patients was hospitalized at least once. Conclusion: The use of resources for MS patients in a hospital setting is remarkable, which includes admissions, hospitalizations, blood tests and MRIs. However, when the number of patients with MS diagnosis taken into consideration, it is noteworthy that the number of demands for homecare is very small. Our study will be a guide for reducing cost of illness and improving care pathways.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging: are those who need it getting it?

Indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging (mri), a very sensitive but less-specific tool for breast investigation, remain controversial, and accessibility is limited. The purposes of our study were to determine the proportion of breast mri exams performed for various clinical indications, to assess the wait times for breast mri, and to create a list of evidence-based indications for breast mri. The indications for breast mri exams performed in September 2013 at our academic centre were audited. A multidisciplinary meeting held in May 2014 established a list of evidence-based indications for breast mri, after which, in September 2014 and 2015, breast mri exams were re-audited for clinical indications, and pending requests were calculated. In September 2013, surveillance of women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer represented 21% of breast mri exams (24 of 113), with preoperative staging representing 18% of exams (20 of 113) and high-risk screening representing 12% (13 of 113). Of pending mri requests, 230 were within the recommended delay period, and 457 exceeded the recommended delay. After elaboration of evidence-based guidelines, repeat audits in September 2014 and September 2015 showed that mri performed for women with a prior breast cancer diagnosis represented 23% (33 of 141) and 7% (10 of 143) of exams respectively, with preoperative staging having declined to 9% (13 of 141) and 11% (16 of 143) of exams, and high-risk screening having increased to 36% (51 of 141) and 46% (66 of 143) of exams. Overall, wait times were improved for all breast mri indications. Through multidisciplinary discussion, we actualized a list of breast mri indications, prioritized requests more adequately, and improved wait times.

Magnetic resonance imaging request pattern in a poor resource environment as a prerequisite for future planning

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non invasive imaging technique used for diagnosis of pathology in parts of the body, it is particularly useful in demonstrating soft tissue such as brain, spinal cord, nerve root, intervertebral disc, muscles etc. contrast can be used to enhance the MRI image. The aim of this study is to know the indications and pattern of MRI request in this environment. Methods: A two year retrospective study was carried out in a private diagnostic centre in the North – Central Nigeria from September 2014 – August 2016. A record of biodata, body regions and indications requested were analyzed with SPSS version 17. Results: total of 837 MRI were requested during the study period, there was a male preponderance with male to female ratio of 1.6: 1, the commonest age group was those greater than 60 years. MRI request was found to be highest in the spine region of the body, the commonest indication for MRI request was low back pain from disc prolapsed, this made MRI of the lumbar spine the most frequently requested MRI in the body. Conclusion: Soft tissue pathologies of the spine, brain, muscles and nerves are clearly demonstrated by MRI, this make it an indispensable equipment which should be available in all tertiary health centres in the country for early detection and treatment of different pathologies. There is also need for inclusion of MRI charges in national health insurance scheme because of the frequent indications for the procedure.

A review of data in medical request and the patient questionnaire for magnetic resonance evaluation of silicone breast implants.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo analyze the quality and quantity of data in the questionnaires and in request forms for magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted with data from 300 medical records. The research used the following data from the questionnaires: patient age, reason for the magnetic resonance imaging, reason for placing the breast implant, report of any signs or symptoms, time elapsed since surgery to place the current breast implant, replacement implant surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy treatments. From the magnetic resonance imaging request forms, information about the breast implant, the implant placement surgery, patient clinical information and ordering physician specialty were verified.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 48.8 years, and the mean time elapsed since breast implant surgery was 5 years. A total of 60% of women in the sample were submitted to aesthetic surgery, while 23.7% were submitted to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. In the request forms, 23.7% of physicians added some piece of information about the patient, whereas 2.3% of them informed the type of implant and 5.2% informed about the surgery.ConclusionThe amount of information in the magnetic resonance imaging request forms is very limited, and this may hinder quality of radiological reports. Institutional and technological measures should be implemented to encourage the requesting physicians and radiologists to share information.

Variations in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Provision and Processes Among Canadian Academic Centres

PurposeIncreasing demand has led to questions regarding the appropriateness of advanced imaging exams, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study aimed to explore variability in MRI service provision and request variation within Canadian academic medical imaging departments, particularly factors potentially affecting appropriate MRI service provision. MethodsAll Canadian academic centres with medical imaging residency programs were invited to participate. Participation involved completing an institution-level survey and submitting exam requests for all MRI exams completed in a common 24-hour period. The surveys and request forms were analysed and contrasted. ResultsThe 13 participating institutions reported scanner operating hours per week ranging from 101-672; large urban centres typically had higher hours. A total of 42% of sites housed multiple scanners, and 28% housed a 3-T scanner. Most accept requests from all general practitioners and specialists. Only 1 institution has a solely electronic request submission process. Requisitions are focused on patient safety, including contrast considerations, metallic foreign bodies, and implants. Request prioritization scales vary substantially across institutions. Few use referral guidelines to evaluate request appropriateness. ConclusionsOur analysis showed great variation among facility-level factors such as hours of operation, request forms, and prioritization scales among institutions and facilities. Opportunities exist to create standardized processes and improve request forms to focus more on specific information required for appropriateness, increase consistency in patient care, and promote demand balancing, minimizing unnecessary exams and therefore reducing wait times.

National audit of appropriate imaging

To audit the availability of imaging referral guidelines; vetting by radiologists of GP-initiated CT and MRI requests; and the achievement of appropriate imaging using retrospective assessment as a surrogate. A web-based questionnaire was distributed to imaging departments in the UK seeking awareness of guideline availability; the percentage of consecutive general practitioner (GP)-requested computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations that showed evidence of vetting; and the percentage of procedures where retrospective assessment showed the investigation to be appropriate according to imaging referral guidelines. Replies were received from 88 departments covering 1700 of 2700 (63%) consultant radiologists practising in the UK. Regarding the availability of guidelines, approximately a third of respondents were not aware of guidelines being available to all radiologists and radiographers. The 68% level of availability (58/88 departments) is well below the standard of 100%. In keeping with the target of 95%, vetting of CT requests was shown in 1815/1890 (96%) and MRI in 1181/1250 (95%). Appropriateness of CT examinations was shown in 1746/1870 (93%) and MRI in 1154/1215 (95%), well above the target of 90%. The most common reason for an inappropriate investigation for both MRI and CT was the inability to affect patient management. Although awareness of referral guidelines availability was limited at 68%, well below the 100% standard, the meticulous vetting of requests (shown in 95-96%) with the amendment or return of inappropriate requests (9-12%) enables a high level of appropriate imaging (93-95%) for GP-requested CT and MRI, thus making the best use of clinical radiology.

Radiology request forms: are they adequately filled by clinicians?

The role of the radiologist in a medical team is to help in making a diagnosis that will aid in an effective and concise management of the patient. This can only be achieved if the clinicians give a detailed clinical history through a properly filled request form. This study was conducted to assess the adequacy of filled request forms in a tertiary health institution.One hundred and forty four request forms with 145 requests for computed tomography scan (CT scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) received at the diagnostic centre in a teaching hospital were studied for completeness. There were 138 (95.2%) CT scan and 7 (4.8%) MRI requests. Only the surname and examination requested were filled in all cases. About 95.8% of the

Management of MRI Wait Lists in Canada

Excessive wait times for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are a major problem in the Canadian healthcare system. To determine how requests for MRI studies are managed, the authors performed a survey of public MRI facilities in Canada. Ninety-six per cent had some method to triage MRI requests. However, only 42% had documented guidelines for prioritization, and none employed quality assurance methods to ensure that guidelines were followed. Target timelines for each prioritization category varied widely. Sixteen per cent of centres were not able to meet their target timelines for any prioritization category, and 45% of centres met target times only for some prioritization categories. Strategies for dealing with wait lists primarily involved attempts to increase capacity. No centres attempted to reduce wait times by decreasing inappropriate requests. There appears to be a need to standardize MRI wait list management given the variation in management practices and wait times observed.

National audit of provision of MRI services 2006/07

In 2003 the Royal College of Radiologists Clinical Radiology Audit Sub-Committee began an audit process evaluating the standards of provision of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services. This was prompted by the publication of the 2002 Audit Commission Report, which had identified that lack of MRI provision was responsible for more than half of the total waiting times for diagnostic imaging investigations. The audit found that the time from request to report did not meet the standard for cancer staging examinations, but nationally, was within the target set for routine orthopaedic examinations. However, national mean waiting times were longer than recommended for both cancer and orthopaedic MRI. Since then, there has been massive investment in MRI capacity, both from installation of MRI systems in NHS Trusts, and in England, from outsourcing of routine MRI cases through the Department of Health contract with an independent provider. A re-audit in 2006/7 shows that there has been a significant improvement in waiting times for routine orthopaedic examinations, but the position with cancer staging examinations has deteriorated. Control chart methodology shows that underperformance is due to common cause variation, i.e., improvements need to be made to the overall process from receiving the request for MRI to the issue of the report. Follow-up with participating departments demonstrated there were some common themes for underperformance, and suggestions for improvement are made from departments with best performance.