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Improved compliance with reporting standards: A retrospective analysis of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear Cardiology Laboratories

Journal of Nuclear Cardiology volume 25, pages 986–994 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

In 2011, Tilkemeier et al reported significant nuclear cardiology laboratory noncompliance with reporting standards. The aim of this study was to identify and examine noncompliant reporting elements with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear/PET (IAC) Reporting Standards and to compare compliance between 2008 and 2014.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of compliance with 18 reporting elements utilizing accreditation findings from all laboratories applying for accreditation in 2008 and 2014.

Results

1816 labs applying for initial or subsequent accreditation were analyzed for compliance. The mean reporting noncompliance per lab decreased from 2008 to 2014 (2.48 ± 2.67 to 1.24 ± 1.79, P < .001). Noncompliance decreased across lab types, labs with Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology physicians on staff, and by geographic region (P < .001). Overall severity of reporting issues decreased. Facilities with compliant reports increased from 35.0% in 2008 to 57.1% in 2014 (P < .001).

Conclusion

Continuing medical education, accreditation, and other instructional activities aimed at improving nuclear cardiology reporting appear to have made a positive impact over time with the number and severity of noncompliance decreased. More labs are now compliant with the IAC Standards and, thus, reporting guidelines. However, the need for continued educational efforts remains.

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Figure 1
Figure 2

Abbreviations

ASNC:

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology

CBNC:

Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology

IAC:

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

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Disclosures

Author Farrell is an employee of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Authors Tilkemeier, Maddux, and Ewing have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Greenville Health System, 701 Grove Road Support Tower 5, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA

    P. Tim Maddux MD, Joseph A. Ewing MS & Peter L. Tilkemeier MD

  2. Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, Ellicott City, MD, USA

    Mary Beth Farrell MS

Authors
  1. P. Tim Maddux MD
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  2. Mary Beth Farrell MS
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  3. Joseph A. Ewing MS
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  4. Peter L. Tilkemeier MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary Beth Farrell MS.

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No financial support was received for this project.

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Maddux, P.T., Farrell, M.B., Ewing, J.A. et al. Improved compliance with reporting standards: A retrospective analysis of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear Cardiology Laboratories. J. Nucl. Cardiol. 25, 986–994 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-016-0713-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-016-0713-y

Keywords

  • Nuclear cardiology
  • reporting
  • compliance
  • accreditation
  • continuing education