Radiographer advanced practice in computed tomography coronary angiography: Making it happen. Issue 4 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reid, K.; Rout, J.; Brown, V.; Forton, R.; Crawford, M.B.; Bennie, M.J.; Curtin, J.J.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 22:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Radiographer -- Advanced practice -- Cardiac CT; 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.2016.03.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

Abstract: Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a rapidly evolving technique for assessing cardiovascular disease which usually requires direct, time-consuming supervision by a radiologist or cardiologist for the whole examination. The cardiac radiologists at our institution decided to train CT radiographers to perform CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) examinations independently. The aim of the initiative was to enable appropriately trained radiographers to perform the CTCA examination autonomously and to a high standard. Following the programme of training and development, participating radiographers have been shown to undertake CTCA examinations to the required standard, providing a safe, effective and patient focused experience, with no detriment to patient care or radiation dose received. Evidence of service enhancement which allows radiologists to undertake other work, has also been established. This paper describes the steps in the design of this new service and how advanced practice role development has been established and assessed at our institute. Highlights: Cardiac CT is complex and usually requires intense radiologist supervision. Radiographer advanced practice (AP) is a developing role in CT cardiac imaging. Patient group directives and examination protocols enable independent AP working. Advanced practice radiographers delivered high standards of patient focused care. Radiographers successfully perform cardiac CT with indirect radiologist supervision.