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353 Re-Audit on the Utilization of CT Scans in Acute Pancreatitis Management Following Implementation of Local Policy in a Northwest NHS Hospital

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim Acute pancreatitis is a frequent emergency surgical condition where CT scans play a key role in diagnosis and monitoring. However, overuse of CT imaging can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure and higher healthcare costs. A previous audit, presented at AUGIS 2023, revealed that 28% of CT scans performed for acute pancreatitis were unnecessary. Following this, hospital staff received targeted education and retraining on the local imaging policy. This audit aimed to assess adherence to the local hospital policy regarding CT scan use in acute pancreatitis after the intervention. Method A retrospective review was conducted on 32 patients admitted under the Emergency Surgical Team with acute pancreatitis between August and October 2023. The mean age was 53.2 years, with a slight female predominance (53.1%). CT scan utilization and indications were evaluated against local policy standards. Results CT scans were performed in 23 patients (71.8%). Among these, 15 (46.1%) were done in patients without diagnostic amylase levels, 3 (9.4%) after 72 hours to evaluate complications, 3 (13.0%) for co-existing abdominal pathology (such as pancreatic cancer or abdominal aortic aneurysm), and 1 (4.3%) due to suspicion of an alternative diagnosis. Only 1 CT scan (4.3%) was classified as unnecessary, reflecting a 95.6% compliance rate with the imaging policy. Conclusions This audit demonstrates a substantial improvement in adherence to imaging guidelines following targeted education and retraining. Continued staff education and periodic audits are recommended to sustain appropriate and cost-effective use of CT scans in acute pancreatitis management.
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znaf270.131
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7117457608
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