Evaluating the conformity of Computed Tomography reports for pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancers, with respect to standard practice at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital Centre.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55715/jaim.v17i2.776Keywords:
Radiology Report – Conformity – Cancer – Staging - Structured Reporting – Quality – Cameroon.Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers, represent a significant health burden worldwide and in Cameroon. Computed Tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and staging of these cancers, with radiology reports serving as the primary means of communication between radiologists and clinicians. However, concerns have been raised regarding the completeness and conformity of these reports to standardized guidelines.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the conformity of CT reports for pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers at Bafoussam Regional Hospital Centre, and to determine whether report conformity varied according to the interpreting radiologist.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bafoussam Regional Hospital Centre between November 2021 and June 2024. We included radiology reports of patients who underwent thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scans for initial cancer evaluation. Reports were assessed for completeness based on established staging systems, including the TNM (Tumour-lymph Node-Metastasis) classification and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) resectability criteria. Factors associated with non-conformity were sought using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: We analysed 109 thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT reports. Key deficiencies were noted in tumor staging, vascular invasion assessment, and pancreatic cancer resectability, with TNM classification reported in only a minority of cases. Contrast media details and radiation dosimetry were frequently omitted. No significant differences in reporting completeness were observed between radiologists, suggesting systemic rather than individual shortcomings.
Conclusion. This study reveals suboptimal completeness in radiology reports for pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancer evaluation at Bafoussam Regional Hospital, with no significant inter-radiologist differences, suggesting systemic issues. Structured reporting and standardized templates may improve clarity, consistency, and guideline adherence. Further research should explore their impact on clinical decisions and patient outcomes.
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