What is it about?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021) guidelines for the assessment and management of chronic kidney disease set out indications for ordering renal ultrasounds. We conducted an audit of the renal ultrasounds requested by physicians for patient's referred to a University Hospital's Nephrology outpatient service to see if the ultrasounds ordered were warranted. As unnecessary tests can lead to findings that are purely incidental called "incidentalomas" which can lead to patient anxiety and misuse of limited resources.
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Why is it important?
This audit highlights the frequency with which inappropriate ordering occurs, as well as the ongoing need for education amongst clinicians on appropriate indications and the potential cost deficits involved.
Perspectives
Despite the focus of this audit being on reducing the number of unwarranted renal ultrasounds being ordered. This audit also highlights when a clinician should be ordering a renal ultrasound. It is important to be aware of indications for an investigation.
Varisha Shahzad
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An audit of renal ultrasounds for new referrals to the nephrology outpatients service, Journal of Kidney Care, September 2022, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/jokc.2022.7.5.232.
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