Clinical relevance and governance of scout imaging data: a national survey of UK cross-sectional imaging radiographers.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the presence and content of standard policies and protocols for managing scout imaging data from cross-sectional imaging in the UK, including storage practices and required actions when clinical abnormalities are identified. The aim was to characterise current clinical processes and develop recommendations to address policy and knowledge gaps, thereby improving practice.

Materials and methods: An online survey was distributed to cross-sectional radiographers in the United Kingdom between 23 May and 3 July 2022 using purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to free-text responses.

Results: Of 130 survey returns, 129 were valid. Most respondents worked in the NHS (83/129; 64.3%) and in England (104/129; 80.6%). The majority of cross-sectional radiographers (77/129; 59.7%) reported that all scout images are stored with the diagnostic image series. Overall, 61.2% (79/129) indicated that they had previously flagged abnormal findings on scout images. However, 45.7% (59/129) reported that their departments did not have clear policies and/or protocols governing the management of scout imaging data.

Conclusions: Scout images may contribute to the detection of some abnormal findings. Nonetheless, the absence of clear local policies and protocols, and/or limited awareness of existing joint guidance, restricts their effective integration into diagnostic workflows and treatment planning. These findings indicate an urgent need for formalised departmental policies and targeted educational initiatives to support awareness creation for consistent, safe and effective management of scout images across UK radiology departments.

Clinical relevance: Scout imaging data may contain clinically relevant information that could inform patient care. Standardisation of the governance and the awareness and creation of policies for the management of scout images among the clinical radiology workforce is urgently required.

Key points: Scout images may hold significant diagnostic information that could contribute to patient care. Variation in the governance and protocols for management of scout imaging data reflects limited awareness of existing local and national guidance. Radiology workforce education is critical to creating awareness of policies and governance for scout imaging data management in practice.