Factors Affecting Accreditation in Extracranial Carotid Ultrasound Studies by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

Abstract

Introduction:

Accreditation of vascular laboratories has been shown to lead to overall improvements in quality patient care. However, there are still factors that needlessly delay the granting of full accreditation. We performed a retrospective analysis looking at factors associated with delays in accreditation in extracranial carotid artery ultrasound examinations by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Vascular Testing (IAC-VT) division.

Materials and Methods:

We accessed an active database from the IAC-VT division between 2014 and 2020 and extracted data linked to vascular laboratory accreditation in extracranial carotid ultrasound studies. We used the ‘Delay” versus the “Grant” status as outcome and looked at the association with 18 metrics that are part of the application evaluation. We further used a modified Delphi method to determine the relative role played by either the technologist/sonographer or the interpreting physician for each metric. Statistical significance was evaluated by Chi-square.

Results:

A “Delay” status was assigned in 1638 (58.6%) out of 2794. Ten factors were noted to be significant univariate predictors of a “Delay” status. The three major factors were solely associated with the interpreting physician while adherence to technical factors showed mostly shared responsibility.

Conclusion:

This retrospective study indicated that the accreditation process is strongly dependent on interpreting physician performance. Targeted interventions may help decrease time and effort associated with the costs of the accreditation process.