Implementing appropriateness criteria for use of imaging technology (Project ACUITY) in magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine: a Singapore experience.

Introduction: Uncomplicated acute low back pain is usually self-limiting and does not warrant imaging. However, despite current recommendations, many patients continue to receive spinal imaging, increasing healthcare costs. The Ministry of Health, Singapore, convened a multidisciplinary workgroup to develop a consensus guideline on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine (Agency for Care Effectiveness [ACE] guideline) for low back pain that was incorporated into electronic radiology order forms. We analysed the MRI orders following implementation of the guideline.

Methods: A list of 'appropriate' and 'inappropriate' indications was developed based on existing literature. These indications were inserted into the MRI of the lumbar spine request form within the electronic system. It was mandatory for clinicians to specify on a drop-down list of indications. For 'inappropriate' indications, clinicians are required to fill out a free-text 'pop up' elaborating on their clinical reasoning for the MRI request.

Results: Baseline pre-intervention data were collected over 3 months. A total of 492 MRI scans were performed with 64 (13.0%) inappropriate orders. Post-intervention, we retrospectively analysed two sets of data over 3 months each in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, there were 86 (9.1%) inappropriate orders out of 940 scans performed. In 2022, there were 38 (7.3%) inappropriate studies out of 521 scans performed. There was a statistically significant overall decrease in inappropriate scans from 13.0% pre-intervention to 7.3% post-intervention ( P = 0.01). Among all the 124 inappropriate studies post-intervention, only one patient eventually required surgery.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the positive impact of implementing a local guideline through electronic medical records in reducing inappropriate MRI of the lumbar spine for low back pain. Further studies on the impact of other behavioural nudges are recommended.