Repeated radiological procedures in the last 6 months of life in old age: a retrospective study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis novel study looks at the use of radiological procedures in an elderly cohort of patients in their last 6 months of life. Radiological imaging plays a central part of clinical investigations, but too many may override the judgement of benefits, risks and resources. There is little information on the burden of radiological procedures performed towards the end of life in patients of old age.MethodsData from every fourth patient aged 80 years and over who died between 4 July 2021 and 30 December 2021 in a National Health Service (NHS) hospital were collected. All radiological procedures performed within the last 6 months of the patients’ life were recorded from clinical documentation and related to their age.Results96 patients were studied with a total of 699 radiological procedures performed. When scaled up, costs of CT and MRI scans alone are conservatively estimated as £312 000/annum in patients aged ≥80 years in their last 6 months of life for a single medium-sized NHS hospital.ConclusionsA very large number of radiological procedures were performed towards the end of life among patients of old age. This is consistent with the national trend of increased medicalisation and poor recognition of dying.