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[Truncated abstract] Hypothesis: There is deficiency in the evidence base and scientific underpinning of existing diagnostic imaging pathways (DIP) for diagnostic endpoints. Objective: a) To carry out systematic review of literature in relation to use of diagnostic imaging tests for diagnosis and investigation of 78 common clinical problems, b) To identify deficiencies and controversies in existing diagnostic imaging pathways, and to develop a new set of consensus based pathways for diagnostic imaging (DIP) supported by evidence as an education and decision support tool for hospital based doctors and general practitioners, c) To carry out a trial dissemination, implementation and evaluation of DIP. Methods: 78 common clinical presentations were chosen for development of DIP. For general practitioners, clinical topics were selected based on the following criteria: common clinical problem, complex in regards to options available for imaging, subject to inappropriate imaging resulting in unnecessary expenditure and /or radiation exposure, and new options for imaging of which general practitioners may not be aware. For hospital based junior doctors and medical students, additional criteria included: acute presentation when immediate access to expert radiological opinion may be lacking and clinical problem for which there is a need for education. Systematic review of the literature in relation to each of the 78 topics was carried out using Ovid, Pubmed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. ... The electronic environment and the method of delivery provided a satisfactory medium for dissemination. Getting DIP implemented required vigorous effort. Knowledge of diagnostic imaging and requesting behaviour tended to become more aligned with DIP following a period of intensive marketing. Conclusions: Systematic review of literature and input and feedback from various clinicians and radiologists led to the development of 78 consensus based Diagnostic Imaging Pathways supported by evidence. These pathways are a valuable decision support tool and are a definite step towards incorporating evidence based medicine in patient management. The clinical and academic content of DIP is of practical use to a wide range of clinicians in hospital and general practice settings. It is source of high level knowledge; a reference tool for the latest available and most effective imaging test for a particular clinical problem. In addition, it is an educational tool for medical students, junior doctors, medical imaging technologists, and allied health care personnel. |
