Children are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because their bodies are still developing and the use of CT scans in children and young people has been linked to a slight increase in the chance of developing cancer later in life. It’s estimated more than 80,000 CT scans are performed on people under the age of 20 each year in Australia.
The DIP 4 Kids App supports clinicians in evidence-based decisions about imaging options for young people and children, including when to use CT scanning. The app provides clinicians, parents and carers with assistance in decisions on paediatric CT for over 20 clinical conditions and injuries occurring in children and young people, and provides links to a range of other resources developed by the Commission. It also includes information on the level of radiation used by each imaging type.
Chair of the Commission’s Board, Professor Villis Marshall AC said that it was important that CT imaging should only be performed when clinically necessary, and if performed, using the lowest doses of radiation possible.
“If a CT scan is well justified on clinical grounds, the benefit will almost always outweigh the risk of harm. The app provides ready access to information helpful to making an appropriate decision in each case,” Professor Marshall said.
“Health professionals should consider the range of diagnostic modalities available before referring children and young people for CT scans and the app provides detailed information about those options.”
The app was developed by the Commission, in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Health, and is based on the paediatric decision aids in the Department’s Diagnostic Imaging Pathways (DIP).
Co-creator of DIP, Professor Richard Mendelson, Emeritus Consultant Radiologist, Royal Perth Hospital and Clinical Professor, University of Western Australia said that the app was a convenient tool for clinicians to instantly share resources with parents or carers, to discuss the benefits and the risks of CT scans.
“The app is designed to meet the needs of healthcare providers, giving them swift access to clinical resources, and also providing parents, patients and carers with clear information,” he said.
The app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple store – DIP 4 Kids or from the Google Store – DIP 4 Kids.