Dual-energy computed tomography: survey results on current uses and barriers to further implementation.
Abstract
Objective: To gauge the current availability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners in the UK, establish available technologies, look broadly at current clinical uses in adults and paediatrics, and identify barriers to implementation and potential ways to increase use. Methods: A survey was distributed amongst 10 radiology departments and shared on two national professional co-operation mail bases; the survey ran from 20th July to 9th December 2020. It explored current DECT utilisation in adults and paediatrics as well as barriers to use and suggestions to overcome those barriers. Results: The survey demonstrated DECT availability on 39 (40%) of the 98 CT scanners, but there was limited clinical use in adults and paediatrics. Eighteen (72%) of the 25 respondents had access to at least one DECT scanner, with 14 (56%) having adult DECT protocols in clinical use; <10% head examinations and <50% for other anatomical areas. Only two (8%) respondents had DECT paediatric protocols in clinical use; <10% examinations for all anatomical areas.The main barriers to implementation identified were lack of experience with DECT (8 (44%) users (adult) and 10 (56%) users (paediatric)) and no clinical protocols available (6 (33%) users (adult and paediatric)).Understanding DECT benefits and establishing suitable protocols were the most popular suggestions for increased implementation (10 (40%) of 25 respondents). Conclusion: DECT scanners are available, but clinical use is limited for both adults and paediatrics. The main barriers identified were lack of experience with DECT and the availability of suitable protocols. Further work identified to help implementation included better education on the benefits of DECT, provision of clinical protocols and ensuring a multidisciplinary approach. Advances in knowledge: Barriers to implementation of clinical DECT protocols were identified, together with potential solutions to overcome these and enable further implementation.Citation
Hodgson KE, Larkin EA, Aznar MC, Vasquez Osorio E. Dual-energy computed tomography: Survey results on current uses and barriers to further implementation. Br J Radiol. 2021 Dec;94(1128):20210565. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20210565. Epub 2021 Oct 21Type
ArticleAdditional Links
https://academic.oup.com/bjrPMID
34672691Journal
The British Journal of RadiologyPublisher
Oxford University Pressae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1259/bjr.20210565