Statement from the OHA Regarding CT and MRI Scans
Ontario Hospital Association
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Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Statement from the Ontario Hospital Association re: CT and MRI Scans
(Toronto) – On Tuesday, December 5, 2006, Ontario’s Auditor General released his Annual Report. In one chapter of this report, “Hospitals – Management and Use of Diagnostic Equipment,” the Auditor General raised concerns that certain uses of computed tomography, or “CT”, scans could expose patients – particularly paediatric patients – and hospital staff to unsafe levels of radiation.
The number one priority for Ontario’s hospitals is the safety of their patients and staff. We want to reassure patients, their families, and the public that CT scans have been, and remain, a safe and valuable diagnostic tool. In fact, as the Auditor General noted in his report, “[the three] hospitals we visited had general radiological policies based on the ALARA [As Low As Reasonably Achievable] principle”. As a result, the risk of harmful effects on patients who undergo these procedures is generally very low.
At the same time, Ontario’s hospitals share the Auditor General’s concerns and are reviewing his recommendations very carefully. We agree with the Auditor General that standards and methods based on international and national best practices are needed to ensure that CT scanners are used in an appropriately uniform manner across Ontario. In fact, Ontario’s hospitals were the first to raise radiation dosage from diagnostic imaging procedures as an issue.
In September, 2006, Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care established a Diagnostic Imaging Safety Committee (DISC) made up of clinical experts to develop specific recommendations regarding how CT scanners can be used safely, effectively, and in keeping with the ALARA principle. A full report is expected in February of 2007. We expect that this report will provide further guidance to the health care sector in this area.
In advance of the completion of this work, the OHA is recommending that all Ontario hospitals performing CT/MRI scans review their policies and practices, especially with respect to paediatric protocols, to ensure compliance with recommended manufacturer settings for the equipment.
Ontario’s hospitals are leaders in adopting evidence-based best practices wherever possible in order to promote the safety of patients and staff. We plan to work closely with the DISC, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and other experts in developing and implementing appropriate province-wide standards that will make the use of CT scanners even safer.
Again, we would like to reassure patients, their families, and the public that their safety is the top priority for Ontario’s hospitals. CT scans have been, and remain, a safe and valuable diagnostic tool, and we plan to work with our partners to ensure that they are used even more safely in the future.
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For further information:
OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1325