Prince George, B.C.- A radiologist who was among four who were the subject of a special review had some ties to Northern Health.

 

The radiologist had  worked on a temporary basis at the Dawson Creek Hospital in June 2010, providing services to patients from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and surrounding areas. The Northern Health Authority has reviewed 100 CT scans read by this radiologist. The health authority found six significant discrepancies and is following up with each of these patients and their physicians.

 

The first phase of the review into the quality of medical scans in British Columbia has concluded all physicians currently providing medical scan interpretation in the province are appropriately qualified and licensed. However, the report recommends a new peer review approach will help better support individual radiologists, improve quality and strengthen public confidence.

 

"Based on my initial work, I am confident the 287 physicians currently providing diagnostic imaging services are appropriately licensed," said Dr. Doug Cochrane, who headed up the review. "However, to ensure the quality of their work, medical staff need opportunities to upgrade their skills as diagnostic technology evolves, and they need the support of colleagues through a structured, rigorous review of their work on an ongoing basis - to ensure high-quality patient care."

 

Dr.Cochrane has made several recommendations:

 

* The Ministry of Health Services implement a province-wide peer review system for diagnostic imaging on a phased-in basis - where a proportion of medical scans initially read by each radiologist in a health authority

   would be re-read by another radiologist - with any discrepancies reported to both the health authority and their board.

* The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC immediately implement retrospective peer reviews, focusing on hospitals identified by health authorities where radiologists may have been operating without peer support

   and review.

* The College's Diagnostic Accreditation Program initiate medical reviews to assess the quality of physicians reporting in any facility that houses a CT scanner or MRI in B.C. if this had not taken place as part of the

   accreditation process.

* Health Authority boards instruct their Medical Advisory Committees to include regular in-depth performance reviews as part of their appointment processes for medical staff.