Effectiveness of clinical imaging guidelines to reduce inappropriate head computed tomography imaging: a case of Uganda

Abstract Background Clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) have been demonstrated to reduce inappropriate diagnostic imaging. There is insufficient evidence for CIG effectiveness in Africa. We assessed the of CIGs training and implementation at Mengo Hospital, Uganda. Methods A clinical audit head CT examinations was conducted Hospital. baseline review 262 requisitions done determine level appropriateness requisitions. also determined knowledge on radiation protection (RP) use among 15 referrers. trained these referrers RP, awareness uploaded iGUIDE onto their smart phones computer work stations use. This followed by a post-intervention assessment where we reviewed 154 appropriateness. referring clinicians. Results found 53% 47% levels pre- post-intervention, respectively. At pre-intervention, 73% while 93% Conclusions Implementation clinicians are effective reducing inappropriateness