Radiographer-led cardiac CT acquisition service

There is growing demand for non-invasive cardiac imaging and in particular CT coronary angiography (CTCA). CTCA is recommended as a first-line investigation in coronary imaging by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for inpatients with new onset chest pain suspected to be of cardiac origin. The guidance has dramatically increased the demand on CT […]There is growing demand for non-invasive cardiac imaging and in particular CT coronary angiography (CTCA). CTCA is recommended as a first-line investigation in coronary imaging by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for inpatients with new onset chest pain suspected to be of cardiac origin. The guidance has dramatically increased the demand on CT services, which are already struggling to meet inexorable increases in demand for all types of CT imaging. One barrier to service expansion for cardiac CT imaging is the availability of trained consultants. Cardiac CT lists require IV beta-blocker administration and so are traditionally supervised by radiologists or cardiologists. A national shortage of radiologists, highlighted by a report released by The Royal College of Radiologists in 2018, is putting pressure on systems already under strain and is now a driving force in facilitating initiatives to delivering healthcare differently and to develop role extensions for allied healthcare professionals.

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