Effect of Facility IAC-Accreditation on CT Dose Awareness and Reduction.

PURPOSE: To assess characteristics of computed tomography (CT) facilities accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) and evaluate the perceived effect of accreditation on CT radiation dose awareness and reduction.

METHODS: IAC-accredited CT facilities were sent a survey in April 2016, which included 20 questions categorized into 5 groups: equipment and facility (7), patient safety/practice (5), protocols (2), dose reduction practice (3), and quality improvement (3).

RESULTS: The response rate was 20.7% (N = 607). A majority of facilities (80%) reported that radiation dose was adjusted based on patient size. Before undergoing accreditation, 79% of facilities reported annual review of CT protocols and radiation exposure. Following accreditation, that number increased to 93%. A majority (77%) of respondents indicated that the accreditation process, along with the IAC Standards and Guidelines , increased awareness of radiation exposure; in addition, 36% indicated that radiation doses were lower after undertaking accreditation.

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that most IAC-accredited facilities followed recommended radiation safety practices by adjusting radiation dose based on patient size, reviewing protocols annually, and participating in quality improvement activities that focus on patient radiation exposure.

CONCLUSION: IAC-accredited facilities reported that the accreditation process had a positive effect on radiation dose awareness and reduced dose associated with CT examinations.