The
Collège des médecins du Québec confirms that there was a problem and recommends
improvements in quality control
The
Collège des médecins du Québec confirms that there was a problem and recommends
improvements in quality control
The findings of the
investigation ordered by the executive committee of the Collège des médecins du
Québec to review the results of over 22 000 mammograms done in three clinics in
Montreal and Laval, between 2008 and 2010, revealed that a total of 109 cases
of breast cancer were detected and managed, as they were diagnosed.
According to the
CBC, the
potential problems are linked to one radiologist who worked in three clinics —
Radiologie Jean-Talon Bélanger and Radiologie Domus Médica in Montreal and
Radiologie Fabreville in Laval.
“In November 2010, as soon as we heard
that errors may have been made in mammogram interpretations, we immediately
launched the investigation to ensure that all the women who underwent these
tests could receive the treatment their condition required as quickly as
possible,” pointed out Dr. Charles Bernard, president and chief executive
officer of the Collège. “We are well aware that this inquiry was a cause of
anxiety for many women. But today’s report confirms that we had to do it, and
we thank the patients for their understanding and collaboration.” The
radiologist whose work led to the investigation stopped practicing in October
2010, before the investigation began.
“Our primary
concern has always been to ensure that the women who had these mammograms are
informed, supported and accompanied until they receive all the services and
health care they need,” stated Dr. Louise Charbonneau, investigator for the
Collège des médecins.
“The investigation
revealed that improvements could still be made to prevent this type of
situation from happening again,” added Dr. Huguette Bélanger, investigator. “As
well as stepping up what is already being done, we formulated 10 additional
recommendations. The main objective of the recommendations is to establish a
formal, systematic and closer connection between radiologists in private
clinics and referral centres in the field in order to provide radiologists with
appropriate feedback and support.”
The report’s key
recommendations are:
·
that a formal connection be established between screening centres,
referral centres and private mammography clinics to promote monitoring and
feedback with respect to the performance of screening centres and their
radiologists;
·
that four expert radiologists be appointed to cover the entire territory
of Québec and ensure continuous monitoring of the quality control of mammogram
interpretations;
·
that all mammograms must be systematically digitalized to allow
immediate consultation of films if necessary.
“The Collège will
monitor the application of the recommendations and has obtained confirmation of
the collaboration of the Association des radiologistes du Québec and the
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux,” announced Dr. Yves Robert,
secretary of the Collège des médecins.
Another aspect of the
investigation dealt with more than 500 CT scans. In this case, instead of
rereading the exam, the approach was different. The investigators got in touch
with all treating physicians to reassess the need for redoing the test, this
was done for 158 patients. Recommandations are made to regulate updating of all
imaging equipments to medical directors of imaging clinics and the Ministère de
la Santé et des Services sociaux.
The Collège’s
representatives would like to thank all those who collaborated in the investigation,
in particular the two investigator physicians, the Association des
radiologistes du Québec and the 41 radiologists who re-examined the mammogram
results, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec which
quickly authorized the resources to conduct the investigation, the Agence de
santé et des services sociaux de Laval which established and managed the
coordination centre for the investigation, the referral centres which increased
their availability for women who required further tests as well as the staff
and medical department of the three clinics concerned: Radiologie Fabreville
(Laval), Radiologie Jean-Talon Bélanger and Radiologie Domus Médica (Montreal).
The full report is available
at http://www.cmq.org/en/public/profil/commun/Nouvelles/2012/2012-03-27/~/media/Files/PesseEvenements/Rapport-mammographies-mars2012-DEF.ashx?31227
.
The Collège des
médecins du Québec is the province’s professional order of physicians. Its
mission is to promote quality medicine in order to protect the public and help
improve the health of Quebecers.
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