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Harald O Stolberg

Publications and source records attributed to Harald O Stolberg.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The use of cross-sectional diagnostic imaging in a major Canadian health care centre.

OBJECTIVE: To assess current patterns of use of cross-sectional imaging at 5 large Canadian teaching hospitals and a cancer centre, in order to better predict future use. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed all requisitions for diagnostic imaging during a 2-week period in January 2002. Each requisition was assessed by means of a form on which the attending radiologist answered 6 questions about the appropriateness and usefulness of the requested examination. RESULTS: A total of 2374 examinations were audited: 1167 ultrasonography, 925 computed tomography and 282 magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Forms with scores of 3 out of 7 or more for the appropriateness and relevance of the imaging request (n = 2229) were not examined further. After review of the remaining complete forms, 59 (2.5%) were found to contain at least 1 score that was less than 3 out of 7, which was considered to be a failing grade. CONCLUSION: There is a low incidence of inappropriate use of diagnostic imaging. Practical ways to reduce unnecessary use would include close attention to the wasteful practice of test duplication and to the need for patient education to help minimize unnecessary testing.

Diagnostic Imaging↗
PubMed2003

Yuppie scans from head to toe: unethical entrepreneurism.

Our responsibility as Canadian radiologists is the same as the responsibility of physicians irrespective of the health care system they serve or the country where they work. "Our modern society does not value properly the intellectual effort, and the time studying the problems of patients and deciding on their solutions. Much higher rewards are placed on the use of sophisticated medical technology. Changing this way of practice requires much more than an academic call to order. As members of our modern society we physicians have a tough time isolating ourselves from prevalent values. But, we do have the duty to point out inconsistencies of the present societal values regarding medical activities, striving to change this state of affairs for the benefits of medicine, patients and society as a whole."

Adolescent↗