Hepatocellular carcinoma ultrasound surveillance in the United Kingdom (UK): a national ultrasound workforce survey.
Authors: Reeve, R., Edwards, H., Stenberg, B. and Franklin, J.
Journal: Clin Radiol
Volume: 92
Pages: 107090
eISSN: 1365-229X
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2025.107090
Abstract:AIM: Current international guidance recommends semiannual ultrasound (US) for patients at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This survey aims to understand current practices in the United Kingdom (UK) for HCC US surveillance and compare the findings with recently published standards for service delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was advertised to UK US managers and department leads. Responses were collected between March and May in 2024. Survey questions were prioritised by the National Health Service (NHS) England HCC US surveillance working group and piloted in three departments. Eleven multiple choice and open questions were created to focus on HCC US surveillance staffing, training, protocols, and quality assurance. Findings were analysed using descriptive statistics to present frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: 43 centres from England, Scotland and Wales responded. Sonographers undertake HCC US surveillance in almost every centre (42/43; 97%) while half of respondents utilise radiologists to perform HCC US surveillance (23/32; 54%). Workforce capacity for HCC US surveillance was a concern for 35% (15/43) of respondents. There is wide variation in current scanning and reporting protocols; 53% (23/43) have no specific imaging protocol, 77% (33/43) have no reporting template. Most (32/43; 74%) centres had no designated HCC surveillance US lead radiologist or sonographer. Most did not provide specific surveillance training for US practitioners. Audit of HCC US surveillance quality and delivery was not undertaken in 60% (26/43) of responding centres. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a lack of consistency and governance across centres providing HCC US surveillance. Standardised training and guidance for individuals performing HCC US surveillance are required at a national level to ensure consistency in the quality of HCC US surveillance delivered across the UK.
Source: PubMed