Solving the Problem of Thallium-201-Chloride Myocardial SPECT Imaging Procedure Cancellations

Abstract

Objective: Thallium-201-chloride myocardial SPECT imaging accounts for about one-third of our daily nuclear medicine imaging workload. However, cancellation of imaging appointments has been an ongoing problem in our nuclear medicine practice. Because of an overall cancellation rate of 35%, we decided to incorporate this problem into our ongoing quality assurance review.

Methods: Three categories of cancellation were identified: avoidable, unavoidable and no show. To resolve the avoidable category, the following actions were taken: (1) discussed the problem with the outpatient clerk supervisor; (2) developed patient preparation protocols to be given to each patient scheduled for a test; (3) sent a memorandum to all housestaff explaining the protocol; and (4) called the patient’s home the evening prior to the test to remind him of the necessary preparations.

Results: During fiscal year 1993, we performed more than 400 tests. At the beginning of the fiscal year, we were experiencing 10% avoidable and 13% no-show cancellations. At the end of our monitor, the percentage had been reduced to less than 2%.

Conclusion: The cancellation rate of ²⁰¹Tl myocardial SPECT can be improved if attention is paid to patient preparation and communication.