Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*Adeniran-Babatunde S.F.; *Gbede O.; *Oguntoye O.; *Alkhouly M.
Citation:
Clinical Radiology. Conference: RCR Audit & QI ePoster Competitions 2024. InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City United Arab Emirates. 83(Supplement 1) (no pagination), 2025. Article Number: 106889. Date of Publication: 01 May 2025.
Abstract:
Category: Chest Background to the audit: Timely follow-up of abnormal chest X-rays (CXRs) showing consolidation as recommended by the radiologist can aid prompt diagnosis and treatment of other serious conditions with subsequent good outcomes. Research has shown that significant morbidity can occur from delay and lack of follow-up in patients with consolidation or other abnormalities on initial CXR, which is why the British Thoracic Society (BTS) recommends follow-up CXRs at around six weeks after completing treatment for all patients with consolidation on CXR to ensure resolution. This formed the premise for our audit looking into how to improve compliance to this protocol in our trust and thereby improve patient safety. Standard: BTS recommendation. Indicator: We assessed source of referral. We assessed if repeat CXR has been performed as suggested by the radiologist. We assessed the time frame suggested for the repeat CXR. We compared the actual time frame of the repeat imaging with the time frame suggested. Target: 100% compliance to follow-up alert. 100% compliance to recommended time frame. Methodology: In the first round, retrospective review of random 100 CXRs done in the trust with follow-up alert. Data collected include patient's referral source, date of the initial image, recommended time frame for repeat image and date of the follow-up CXR. The data were analysed and presented in percentages. The exact similar process was repeated for the second round three months after the intervention. Results of first audit round: 43% of the patients were referred from emergency department (ED), 39% from GP and 18% from the wards. 79% of the patients had repeat CXRs, 14% did not and 7% had died. Of those that had repeat CXRs, 46% had it done at the recommended time, 43% were done at a later date and 11% were done earlier. First action plan: Audit was presented at clinical meetings to educate clinicians on the need to request follow-up CXRs to ensure patient safety. Results of second audit round: 54% were from ED, 31% from GP and 15% from the wards. 95% had repeat CXRs while the remaining 5% had died. 78% had repeat CXRs within the recommended time, 14% were done later and 8% were done earlier. Second action plan: Presentation and teaching at clinical meetings to further reinforce and improve on follow-up compliance.
