Abstract
Objective: Evidence for the effectiveness of PET medical examinations (PET dock) is still insufficient. To improve the quality of this type of examination, active management that encourages patients with abnormal findings to receive consultation and subjects them to follow-up surveys is necessary. We present some of the strategies employed in our hospital for this purpose.
Methods: We investigated 2,116 subjects who underwent our PET cancer dock from April 2006 to March 2012. Detailed examinations had been recommended for those in whom cancer was suspected. We examined whether there were changes in response rates after encouraging them to receive consultation.
Results: We received responses by letter or telephone from medical facilities for 183 of the 2,116 subjects and cancer was noted in 33 (1.6%) of them. The 2006-2008 response and cancer detection rates were 32% and 0.9%, respectively. However, with active management from 2009 onwards, these rates rose to 74% and 1.9%, respectively. The following post-examination management strategies were followed. Immediately after the examination, the doctor explained the results, and if there were abnormalities, consulted the most appropriate medical facilities. The doctor sent a report together with a CD-R of the PET images. When there was no reply from the respective medical facilities, the doctor again mailed an inquiry.
Conclusion: In our efforts to improve the quality of cancer screening by PET medical examinations, it is important to consider the overall results. It is necessary to not only report any abnormalities but also to provide optimal management after examinations.
