Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change
Abstract Background Overuse, underuse, and significant variation in the utilisation of radiological services are well documented in the literature. Several radiological examinations are identified as low-value examinations as they do not lead to a change in diagnosis or course of treatment. Even so,...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08077-0 |
| _version_ | 1811248865349730304 |
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| author | Eivind Richter Andersen Bjørn Morten Hofmann Elin Kjelle |
| author_facet | Eivind Richter Andersen Bjørn Morten Hofmann Elin Kjelle |
| author_sort | Eivind Richter Andersen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Overuse, underuse, and significant variation in the utilisation of radiological services are well documented in the literature. Several radiological examinations are identified as low-value examinations as they do not lead to a change in diagnosis or course of treatment. Even so, such examinations are frequently performed. Many measures for reducing low-value imaging have been carried out with variable outcomes. While there is little evidence as to why some measures work and others do not, adjusting to the context seems important for success. The objective of this study was to investigate which measures stakeholders consider appropriate for reducing the use of low-value imaging and what it takes to make them work. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted among radiographers, radiologists, radiological department managers, hospital clinicians, general practitioners, and health government/authorities’ representatives. The interview guide covered two broad areas: Experience with low-value services, and possible future measures deemed appropriate for reducing low-value services. Data were analysed in line with a qualitative framework analysis. Results The analysis included information from 27 participants. All participants acknowledged that low-value imaging was a problem, but few had very specific suggestions on reducing this in practice. Suggested measures were to stop referrals from being sent, provide support in assessing referrals, or change the healthcare system. Identified facilitators were categorised as management and resources, evidence, and experienced value. In general, appropriate measures should be practical, well-founded, and valuable. Conclusions This study provides insight into various stakeholders’ perceptions of suitable interventions to reduce low-value imaging. While many measures for reducing low-value imaging are available, contextual sensitivity is crucial to make them work. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T15:35:20Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3e7bfdceb5e04909b3aca814704246c7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T15:35:20Z |
| publishDate | 2022-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-3e7bfdceb5e04909b3aca814704246c72022-12-22T03:26:58ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632022-05-0122111210.1186/s12913-022-08077-0Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for changeEivind Richter Andersen0Bjørn Morten Hofmann1Elin Kjelle2Institute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at GjøvikInstitute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at GjøvikInstitute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at GjøvikAbstract Background Overuse, underuse, and significant variation in the utilisation of radiological services are well documented in the literature. Several radiological examinations are identified as low-value examinations as they do not lead to a change in diagnosis or course of treatment. Even so, such examinations are frequently performed. Many measures for reducing low-value imaging have been carried out with variable outcomes. While there is little evidence as to why some measures work and others do not, adjusting to the context seems important for success. The objective of this study was to investigate which measures stakeholders consider appropriate for reducing the use of low-value imaging and what it takes to make them work. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted among radiographers, radiologists, radiological department managers, hospital clinicians, general practitioners, and health government/authorities’ representatives. The interview guide covered two broad areas: Experience with low-value services, and possible future measures deemed appropriate for reducing low-value services. Data were analysed in line with a qualitative framework analysis. Results The analysis included information from 27 participants. All participants acknowledged that low-value imaging was a problem, but few had very specific suggestions on reducing this in practice. Suggested measures were to stop referrals from being sent, provide support in assessing referrals, or change the healthcare system. Identified facilitators were categorised as management and resources, evidence, and experienced value. In general, appropriate measures should be practical, well-founded, and valuable. Conclusions This study provides insight into various stakeholders’ perceptions of suitable interventions to reduce low-value imaging. While many measures for reducing low-value imaging are available, contextual sensitivity is crucial to make them work.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08077-0Low-value imagingDiagnostic imagingHealth services misusede-implementation |
| spellingShingle | Eivind Richter Andersen Bjørn Morten Hofmann Elin Kjelle Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change BMC Health Services Research Low-value imaging Diagnostic imaging Health services misuse de-implementation |
| title | Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| title_full | Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| title_fullStr | Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| title_full_unstemmed | Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| title_short | Reducing low-value radiological services in Norway –a qualitative multi-professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| title_sort | reducing low value radiological services in norway a qualitative multi professional study on measures and facilitators for change |
| topic | Low-value imaging Diagnostic imaging Health services misuse de-implementation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08077-0 |
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