Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2018
Collaborative model for training and credentialing point-of-care ultrasound: 6-year experience and quality outcomes.
Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is a rapidly growing area, providing physicians with a valuable diagnostic tool for patient assessment. This paper describes a collaborative model, utilising radiology department ultrasound expertise, to train and credential physicians in PoCUS. A 6-year experience of the implementation and outcomes of the programme established within the emergency departments of a large, multi-campus hospital network are presented. ⋯ A collaborative model to train and credential physicians in PoCUS has been successfully implemented. The programme grew significantly, produced excellent quality outcomes and resolved many issues of potential conflict related to PoCUS.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2018
Retrospective review of CT-guided intervertebral disc biopsies performed at a tertiary referral centre for suspected osteodiscitis.
Patients with osteodiscitis are often prescribed antibiotics prior to biopsy. There is controversy in the literature about whether antibiotic pre-treatment prior to CT-guided biopsy decreases the microbiological culture yield. Conclusions from previous studies are influenced by sample size error and selection bias. Our study, conducted in a large number of patients over a 10-year period, clarifies this issue so that best clinical practice is assured. ⋯ Antibiotic treatment preceding CT-guided biopsy reduces the likelihood of a positive microbiological culture results. However, due to the often poor match, between the pre-treatment antibiotic and the organisms' antibiotic sensitivity profile, this is often not clinically apparent. Furthermore, positive cultures sensitive to the pre-treatment antibiotics can still be obtained.