Our @UTSW_Radiology fearless Abdominal Imaging leader Gaurav Khatri @gkhatri_md on the GI/GU Film Panel @RSNA. Strategically sitting near the exit sign.
@AJR_Radiology We will soon publish data that show exam quality (as measured by Vis Score) correlates with exam performance (poorer visualization -> lower sensitivity) which may help drive future patient-specific HCC surveillance recommendations #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology The use of the US LI-RADS visualization score allows for assessment of exam quality, and can be leveraged for quality assurance programs and targeted training and re-education. #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology First, thank you for the opportunity to #AJRChat, and for helping highlight the need to provide high-quality HCC screening/surveillance services in US through education, QA, and the use of US LI-RADS technical and reporting recommendations.
@CBoonie_nanoIR@drcyncity@UMMCRadiology For sure. We couldn't do our jobs nearly as well or as efficiently without them. The also give journal club talks, become super users for our equipment, and assist with our research efforts. #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology Q4: So, US LI-RADS recommends not providing a US LR Category, and instead recommends an outpatient surviellance exam once the acute medical conditions have stabilized, and the focus of the exam can remain on HCC screening. #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology Q4: That said, we do get requests out of the ER or for inpatients for HCC screening (eg. "Patient missed last appointment"). We try to disuad providers from this, and now have the data to show that exam quality is significantly and negatively impacted #AJRChat
@drcyncity@UMMCRadiology They are involved in advanced techniques such as CEUS and 3D US, and do create draft dictations for the radiologists. It has helped immensly! #AJRChat
@drcyncity@UMMCRadiology Advanced Practice Sonographers (APS) are an emerging physician extender in radiology. Each instution that has implemented them uses them slightly differently. For us, they are the first point of contact for exam checkout. They provide QA/education and backscan if needed. #AJRChat
@CBoonie_nanoIR@AJR_Radiology Great thoughts! We do start with our sonographers students and our residents, impressing upon them the need to understand each other's roles, and to start that foundation of trust. #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology Q3: Finally, we have found template/structred reporting to be key to consistency as this reminds radiologists of the elements needed for the report (eg. LI-RADS Cat and Vis Score). Many of our quality improvement and clinical research activities have also benefitted. #AJRChat
@AJR_Radiology Q3: Education: educating your fellow radiologists (and trainees), and the sonographers. Creating a unified imaging protocol that everyone follows. #AJRChat