Computed tomography referral guidelines adherence in Europe: insights from a seven-country audit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ensuring appropriate computed tomography (CT) utilization optimizes patient care while minimizing radiation exposure. Decision support tools show promise for standardizing appropriateness.

Objectives

In the current study, we aimed to assess CT appropriateness rates using the European Society of Radiology (ESR) iGuide criteria across seven European countries. Additional objectives were to identify factors associated with appropriateness variability and examine recommended alternative exams.

Methods

As part of the European Commission-funded EU-JUST-CT project, 6734 anonymized CT referrals were audited across 125 centers in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, and Slovenia. In each country, two blinded radiologists independently scored each exa

SUBMITTER: Singer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11835886 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature