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Rofo 2022; 194(04): 363-372
DOI: 10.1055/a-1710-3529
Review

Acquisition of a Dose Management System with Consideration of Medico-Legal and Economic Aspects

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Thuy Duong Do 
1   Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
Claudius Melzig
2   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
2   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
Marc-André Weber 
3   Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Rostock, Germany
,
Mark Oliver Wielpütz
2   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
4   Translational Lung Research Center TLRC Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research DZL, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract

Background New radiation protection regulation encompassing additional obligations for monitoring, reporting and recording of radiation exposure, was enacted on December 31, 2018. As a consequence, dose management systems (DMS) are necessary to fulfill the requirements. The process of selection, acquisition and implementation of a suitable IT solution for this purpose is a challenge that all X-ray-applying facilities, including hospitals and private practices, are currently facing.

Method A target/actual-analysis as well as a cost-utility analysis is presented for this specific case as a foundation for the acquisition decision-making process.

Result An actual analysis is necessary in order to record the current status of dose documentation. An interdivisional approach is recommended to include all imaging modalities and devices. An interdisciplinary steering committee can be helpful in enabling consensus and rapid action. A target analysis includes additional criteria with respect to ease of operation, technical feasibility, process optimization and research opportunities to consider in addition to the statutory requirements. By means of a cost-benefit analysis, considerations between costs and the individually weighted advantages and disadvantages of eligible DMS result in a ranking of preference for the available solutions.

Conclusion Requirements of a DMS can be summarized in a specification sheet. Deploying an actual condition analysis, target state analysis and cost-utility analysis can help to identify a suitable DMS to achieve rapid commissioning and highest possible user acceptance while optimizing costs at the same time.

Key Points:

  • An actual analysis reveals optimization and standardization needs in examination protocols and technical coding of dose data that can be addressed before or during the acquisition process.

  • A specification sheet covers all functional, technical, and financial aspects of a target analysis.

  • A cost-utility analysis is useful for exploring an appropriate dose management system with high user acceptance, rapid implementation, and low cost.

  • An interdisciplinary steering committee can be helpful to enable early consensus building and fast action.

Citation Format

  • Do TD, Melzig C, Kauczor H et al. Acquisition of a Dose Management System with Consideration of Medico-Legal and Economic Aspects. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 363 – 372

Key words

dose management system - investment - radiation protection


Publication History

Received: 25 May 2021

Accepted: 07 November 2021

Article published online:
21 December 2021

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