Research
CT Scan Usage Dramatically Increases in ED
A recent study published August 23 in the American Journal of Roentgenology noted a significant increase in utilization of chest and abdominopelvic CT scans in emergency departments from 2011 to 2018. According to a team led by Dr. Ninad Salastekar of Emory University in Atlanta, the reasons are uncertain. The study provoked questions regarding overuse…
Read MoreEmergency Department Overreads and Discrepancies
Discrepancies are only found in less than 15% of emergency radiologists’ interpretations — however, over 90% of these second readings result in a change in patient care. ED radiologists at the University of Washington in Seattle studied the records of over 5,800 patients transferred to their Level 1 trauma center at UW Medicine during…
Read MoreEchocardiographers Face Higher Radiation Exposure during Certain Cardiac Procedures
Researchers recently revealed in a study published in JAMA Network Open that echocardiographers experience significantly higher exposure to radiation than interventional cardiologists. A research team at a Michigan hospital system measured head-level radiation levels for echocardiographers performing particular procedures, which necessitated them to stand near the radiation source and the patient. Echocardiographers assist…
Read MorePostprocedure Checklist Reduces Adverse Events in IR Procedures
A study published July 5 in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology shows that a postprocedure checklist substantially reduces the risk of adverse effects and repeat procedures after interventional radiology procedures. Researchers at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center sought to discover ways to improve patient safety and outcomes during and after interventional…
Read MoreInterruptions in the Reading Room
A recent study published on June 27th in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology confirms the detrimental impact of interruptions in the reading room. Researchers observed the activities of 13 pediatric radiologists affiliated with Ohio University — working in a large, free-standing pediatric care facility with level 1 trauma. During all shifts, the radiologists’ activities…
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