Open AccessMultidisciplinary quality improvement initiative to standardize reporting of lung cancer screening
Author(s) -
Laura Cubillos,
Alison T. Brenner,
Katherine R. Birchard,
Louise M. Henderson,
Paul L. Molina,
Michael Pig,
Shana Ratner,
M. Patricia Rivera,
Laura Jones,
Daniel Reuland
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
translational lung cancer research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 2226-4477
pISSN - 2218-6751
DOI - 10.21037/tlcr.2018.09.08
Subject(s) - medicine , lung cancer , lung , categorization , audit , radiology , quality assurance , medical physics , lung cancer screening , documentation , multidisciplinary approach , multidisciplinary team , nodule (geology) , pathology , artificial intelligence , computer science , nursing , paleontology , social science , external quality assessment , management , sociology , biology , economics , programming language
Structured reporting of lung cancer screening (LCS) results with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is necessary for appropriate follow-up and management of lung nodules. We describe processes for standardizing the reporting and tracking of screen-detected lung nodules by increasing documentation of Lung-RADS categorization of lung nodules. Our multidisciplinary team developed a project charter and key driver diagram, revised the radiology reporting template, and provided monthly audit reports to thoracic radiologists. Quarterly from Q1-2015 to Q2-2016, we measured the proportion of screening LDCT reports that included a documented Lung-RADS category. In Q1- and Q2-2015, no LDCT scans contained a Lung-RADS assessment. By the end of Q1-2016, 94% of screening LDCTs contained a Lung-RADS assessment with a recommended follow-up action. We developed systematic processes for lung nodule categorization, documentation, and tracking using Lung-RADS that improved structured reporting at one academic medical center.