The review of CT scan reads performed by one radiologist at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox has been completed, and affected patients and physicians have been notified. The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) has been supporting St. Joseph’s General Hospital (SJGH) with the review since Feb. 14, VIHA said Thursday afternoon in a news release.Both VIHA and SJGH have been working with Dr. Doug Cochrane, the provincial patient safety and quality officer and chair of the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council throughout the review process.CT scans performed and read by Dr. Joe Zanbilowicz from January 2011 and back to August 2009 were reread. The review involved a total of 2,721 CT scans, affecting 2,312 patients.Of the 2,721 scans that were categorized, no significant discrepancies were found in 2,541 scans, with significant discrepancies noted in 180 scans. Affected patients and their physicians have been notified and further diagnostic tests and discussions regarding treatment paths are underway.The review found that the frequency of discrepancies was low during most of the period covered by the review, rising around December 2010 when it was first identified by SJGH as a concern. The reason for this change is not known.Every CT image involved in the review was reread by a radiologist external to SJGH. The external reads were done in an anonymous fashion (the radiologist did not have access to the original CT scan report). The second read report was then sent, along with the original report, to a third radiologist who acted as an ‘adjudicator’ by reviewing both reports and determining if a discrepancy existed. In cases where there were significant discrepancies, a further discussion and assessment took place involving three or more radiologist adjudicators working as a group.Patients whose scans were involved in the review have now been contacted. As such, other patients who may have had a CT scan at SJGH during the time span involved can rest assured their CT scan was not part of the review process, VIHA stated.Attempts are still being made to reach some individuals whose registered mail was returned. None of these still outstanding contacts involve cases of significant discrepancy.In terms of ongoing work, SJGH and VIHA will work with Dr. Cochrane and others to determine next steps. SJGH and VIHA will support and co-operate with Dr. Cochrane’s broader provincewide review.VIHA noted the review includes strengthening quality control mechanisms, establishing formal peer-review processes, allowing for random rereads of scans and putting in place performance reviews as part of the appointment process for medical staff. Dr. Cochrane’s full review is expected in August.A review into reads involving other imaging modalities, including X-ray, ultrasound and mammography is still underway. At this point there is no indication of a pattern of concerns related to these modalities. It is anticipated this review will conclude at the end of April.Patients with continued questions should address these with their family doctor or their referring medical specialist. Patients can also call St. Joseph’s General Hospital at 1-877-336-1406 or HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.Concerns regarding mammography screening done at St. Joseph's General Hospital should be directed to Screening Mammography Program of BC at 1-604-877-6200.— Vancouver Island Health Authority