CT LDCT chest study - Accellacare

Study Methodology

‍This was a prospective clinical research study involving low dose Computerised Tomography (LDCT) chest imaging as part of a cancer screening research programme for a cohort of 192 patients aged 50-80 years of age.

The study required delivery of CT scanning in accordance with an approved research protocol, with a scan performed as a baseline, and follow up phase 1 year later. Any patients with confirmed cancer diagnosis would be immediately excluded from the study.

The study was supported by local protocols including appropriate governance, radiation protection approvals, and clinical reporting. Imaging results were securely transferred to the research organisation, with additional image sharing undertaken when clinically required to support onward patient care.

Project Overview

LivingCare Sheffield undertook LDCT chest scanning on the Canon Aqullion Prime CT scanner as part of a clinical research trial over an 18-month period. The project involved the full set-up of the research study protocol on the CT scanner, completion of all required governance processes, and receipt of Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and ethics approval prior to commencing patient scanning.

Eligible patients were booked ay a time suitable for the patient and confirmed by the research partner. Patients were then scanned by approved CT radiographers in line with the research protocol and scanned under research protocol identification. All examinations were reported by study approved LivingCare radiologists, and reports were transferred securely to the research organisation.

Where clinically indicated, imaging was also shared with local acute hospitals to facilitate onward patient management and continuity of care as and when requested according to the study exclusion criteria.

LivingCare’s Role

LivingCare Sheffield was responsible for:

• Appropriate booking of patients and entering correctly onto systems according to the study protocol.
• Setting up the research study on CT imaging equipment and acquiring sign off from the research partner prior to commencement.
• Ensuring compliance with governance, regulatory, and radiation protection requirements, including RPA and ethics sign-off.
• Undertaking of CT scans for research participants in accordance with the approved study protocol by registered radiographers listed on the study documentation.
• Facilitating study approved radiologist reporting of all CT examinations.
• Secure transfer of imaging reports to the research organisation.
• Secure sharing of imaging with local acute trusts when required for onward clinical care if requested.
• Reconciling of correct patient demographics for study participants who have been referred on to acute care.
• Maintaining patient confidentiality, data security, and Good Clinical Practice standards throughout the study

The Outcomes

• Successful delivery of LDCT chest imaging for research participants over a 18-month period and safe onward care of adverse findings.
• High-quality imaging and reporting aligned with research and clinical standards.
• Secure and timely transfer of reports and imaging data if required.
• Demonstrated capability to deliver complex imaging research activity within an independent community diagnostic setting.

Why it Worked Well

• Robust governance and radiation protection processes
• Experienced clinical, radiology, and operational teams
• Strong quality assurance and reporting standards
• Secure information governance and data transfer systems
• Effective collaboration with research partners and local acute providers
• Flexible approach to supporting patient care alongside research delivery