Mrs Marina Kostopoulos1, A/Prof Marc Agzarian1, Mr Kevin Hickson1, Mr Chris Boyd1, Dr Kristin Graham2, Dr Anson Chau2, Prof Saravana Kumar2
1SA Health, Adelaide, Australia, 2University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Marina Kostopoulos is a Radiographer at South Australian Medical Imaging (SAMI) working in research. Her projects are allowing SAMI to review clinical practices, benchmark, change or adapt processes for improved efficiency. She provides leadership to SAMI’s clinical research activities that directly impact clinical practice through fostering collaboration between clinicians, researchers and industry partners and ensuring a unified approach to research topics.
She has been instrumental in the development of a Statewide Medical Imaging Research Registry, which has allowed, for the first time, accessibility of quality clinical research data serving to promote a more cohesive and integrated research environment for SAMI.
Abstract:
Background:
Since medical imaging inception in 1895 and all the advancements in technology, challenges remain in ensuring its appropriate use. Research shows that up to one-third of diagnostic imaging referrals in Australia are inappropriate. Appropriateness of the referral for medical imaging is crucial to ensure that radiation exposure is justified. This presentation aims to explore the role of how clinicians make decisions to refer to medical imaging, assessing their drivers and motivators. Understanding its use in the clinical environment is essential for optimizing best patient outcomes, service delivery and resource allocation.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study using two anonymous online surveys were conducted with two groups – all referring clinicians and all South Australian Medical Imaging (SAMI) clinical staff. Demographic data and Likert-scale responses were collated and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
Responses from referring clinicians (n=138) and SAMI staff (n-251), there were similarities and differences in what drove the referral process with both groups surveyed. Common areas for addressing overuse of medical imaging are in areas of patient management, clinical and system support. Open text responses revealed complex and a multitude of patient, self and organisational factors influenced referral decision-making.
Conclusion:
This study, first of its kind in South Australia, highlights complexities that underpin clinician decision-making process when referring to medical imaging. In an era of value-based care, ensuring timely access to appropriate, evidence-informed imaging is critical to ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Achieving this will require a multifaceted approach linking in a range of stakeholders.