Resuscitation skills for radiologists: A short paper

Abstract

The radiologist is likely to be the first medical practitioner on the scene for contrast reactions, anaphylaxis and other common medical emergencies that occur in radiology departments and stand-alone practices. Until 2007, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) did not provide resuscitation training as a CPD service for fellows, and the need for such a service has not been gauged. In 2007, the authors ran the first RANZCR large-group resuscitation refresher training workshop at the Melbourne 2007 annual scientific meeting. The workshop maximized audience participation and knowledge transfer in a constrained time, disseminated guidelines, and collected feedback on the need for further resuscitation training for radiologists. Of the 100 feedback forms, 82 were returned. All the 82 responses wanted the workshop repeated at future annual scientific meetings, and 71 wanted RANZCR to provide hands-on refresher training. Sixty-six responders indicated when they had their most recent resuscitation training: six in the past 12 months, 25 in the past 3 years and 35 longer than 3 years. Sixty-nine responded on availability of resuscitation training at their workplace: 33 indicated 'Yes' and 36 'No'. There is a definite need to provide resuscitation training for radiologists in Australia. At the end of this article, we reproduce the currently applicable guidelines as a service to our readers.

Emergencies in radiology: A survey of radiologists and radiology trainees

“…In the United States, a purpose‐designed Advanced Radiology Life Support course has been developed and covers management of the sedated patient, life support and various contrast reactions including allergic reactions, nephropathy and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis . Currently, there is no such course available in Australasia, although some workshops have been held at a previous RANZCR scientific meeting …”

“…18 Currently, there is no such course available in Australasia, although some workshops have been held at a previous RANZCR scientific meeting. 7 Various methods have been reported for resuscitation education, including interactive multimedia courses, case presentations, self-directed learning or formal lifesupport courses. Interventions that may enhance learning outcomes include pre-course preparation, hands-on practice, training with automated external defibrillators, teamwork and leadership skills training, and end-ofcourse assessment.…”

“…In 2007, Pitman and colleagues reported on a survey of the audience of a large‐group resuscitation refresher training workshop held at a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) annual scientific meeting. Thirty‐five out of 66 respondents had not had resuscitation training within the preceding three years …”

“…Thirty-five out of 66 respondents had not had resuscitation training within the preceding three years. 7 Radiologists are currently advised by the RANZCR to undergo resuscitation training at least every three years. 8 Little is known about their experience and confidence in managing common emergencies relevant to their clinical practice.…”

Clinical governance implications of a Victorian coronial finding regarding contrast-related anaphylaxis for health services and private providers of radiology services

“…These recommendations were directly at professional bodies but, because they relate to clinical governance, they are also relevant to health services and private companies providing radiology services.This gap in knowledge, confidence and processes was not unknown. 2 An Australian survey published in 2014 reported that about 40% of radiologists/radiology trainees assessed themselves as lacking knowledge in managing a contrast-related anaphylactic reaction and in dosing and administration of adrenaline. 3 The reported deficit in knowledge was larger for clinicians who had completed basic life support training more than 3 years previously.…”