Bariatric diagnostic CT scanning: A radiotherapy perspective. Issue 3 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, S.; St John-Matthews, J.; Fox, L.; Weaving, V.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 21:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2014.12.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="abspara0010">Obesity is increasing in the United Kingdom. Equipment available for this patient group including wheelchairs, beds and hoists is becoming more common in the hospital environment; diagnostic imaging equipment that can accommodate bariatric patients has not increased at the same rate. Subsequently these service-users are often unable to receive "gold-standard" cross-sectional imaging within their patient-pathway. This paper highlights how a diagnostic imaging department has utilised wide-bore CT scanning equipment within the radiotherapy setting to ensure an equitable service for all service users. Through literature review and local experience, a standard operating procedure and scanning service has been developed. Areas explored include technical consideration of scanner design; patient positioning; image artefacts and intravenous contrast administration. Also investigated is patient wellbeing incorporating manual handling, respiration and psycho-social needs. Additionally, demonstration of how interprofessional collaboration by diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers can ensure the best imaging experience and outcome for this patient group.</p> </sec> </abstract>