Royal Perth Hospital - Imaging Services

Diagnostic Imaging Pathways (DIP) was developed by the Division of Imaging Services at Royal Perth Hospital. It is an online education and decision support tool designed to assist clinicians to request the most appropriate examinations and in the best sequence to achieve a diagnosis.

The clinical and academic content is continuously reviewed, revised and developed by an Editorial Panel, with input from imaging, medical and surgical specialists and general practitioners, and is supported by the best available evidence which is graded according to quality. There are over 120 pathways covering the major organ systems and common clinical scenarios. It contains an Image Gallery and there are teaching points to assist in student education.

The application is accessed by employees of Western Australia’s public health system from the ‘desk-top’ by selecting a prominent icon, and it may also be accessed from the Internet (http://www.imagingpathways.health.wa.gov.au).

DIP is accredited by the Health-On-The-Net Foundation (http://www.hon.ch/Global/). Partnerships are negotiated with HealthInsite (http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/static/About_HealthInsite) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (http://www.joannabriggs.edu.au/about/home.php).

Publications & Presentations

Bairstow, PJ, Mendelson, R, Dhillon, R, Valton, F. Diagnostic Imaging Pathways: development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2006, 18(1), 51-57

Mendelson, R. Use of diagnostic imaging in Australian general practice. Australian Family Physician, 2006, 35(7), 471

Dhillon, R. Diagnostic Imaging Pathways. Master of Science Thesis. University of Western Australia, 2007

Mendelson, R, Murray, CP. Towards the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging. Medical Journal of Australia, 2007, 187(1), 5-6

Mendelson, R. Clinical paradigms revisited. Medical Journal of Australia, 2007, 186, 381-2

Low, RS, Mendelson, R, Bairstow, PJ. The development of an education and clinical decision support tool for diagnostic imaging referrals: processes, obstacles and lessons learnt. General Practice Education & Training Conference, Hobart, August 2006 (National Institute of Clinical Studies, Evidence into Action prize).

Bairstow, PJ, Mendelson, R, Yesuratnam, A. Diagnostic Imaging Pathways: achieving standards in guideline development? 4th Annual Guidelines International Network Conference, Toronto, August 2007

Low, RS, Mendelson, R. Doppler ultrasound for renal artery stenosis: indications, findings and outcomes. RANZCR 58th Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, October 2007

Ho, K, Yesuratnam, A, Woods, C, Mendelson, R. Low dose computed tomography for investigation of renal colic: the Royal Perth Hospital experience. RANZCR 58th Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, October 2007

Grabinski, RT, Low, R, Mendelson, R. Evaluation of the use of imaging guidelines in referral for ultrasonography (CUS) of the lower limbs in patients suspected of having deep vein thrombosis. RANZCR 58th Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, October 2007

Yesuratnam, A, Mendelson, R, Bairstow, PJ. Time for guidelines in diagnostic imaging? British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2008, 69(1), 4-5