Reduce Overall Radiation Dose & Adverse Radiation Risks to Young Patients for Follow-Up Outpatient CT KUB Scan
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2024
To reduce the overall radiation dose (CTDIVol) without affecting the diagnostic quality of outpatient DECT KUB scan. The project successfully met its target of reducing radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality, with a 30% reduction in.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Quality Improvement, Productivity, Cost Saving
About this Content
Aims
To reduce the overall radiation dose (CTDIVol) without affecting the diagnostic quality of outpatient DECT KUB scan (Urolithiasis) for young patients 45 years old and below by at least 15% (from 8.72 mGy to 7.41 mGy) by the end of Dec 2024.
Background
There is increased demand for CT KUB scans for interval follow-up purposes, resulting in increased medical radiation exposure among younger populations. Currently, there is no established CT KUB protocol targeted for interval scans at lower radiation doses without affecting diagnostic quality.
Methods
The project involved reducing the reference mAs settings in phases and collecting manual data on CTDIvol and diagnostic quality scores. The PDSA cycle was used to test and implement changes.
Results
The average CTDIvol data showed a reduction of more than 15% in radiation dose with a 10% reduction of the original reference mAs setting. Further reductions were tested, achieving a 33.4% reduction, but with some impact on diagnostic quality.
Conclusion
The project successfully met its target of reducing radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality, with a 30% reduction in average CTDIvol achieved.
Lessons Learnt
#ERROR!
Additional Information
Spread will focus within CT modality, with reminders to the team on process changes and continued monitoring of dose and diagnostic quality. Potential spread to other follow-up scan regions is planned.
Keywords
Radiation Dose, DECT KUB, Outpatient Scan
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Radiology |
Project Lead(s) | Achint Gupta, Joshua Yap |
Project Member(s) | James Yang |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Achint Gupta - achint_gupta@nuhs.edu.sg