This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Vascular Scientist-led contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) service for detecting endoleaks following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). By enabling Vascular Scientists to independently administer contrast agents, the project sought to reduce the reliance on Vascular Radiologists, optimise resource utilisation and improve overall workflow efficiency. The key objectives were to streamline the patient pathway, reduce appointment waiting times and make more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Previously, CEUS appointments for EVAR patients were scheduled around Vascular Radiologist availability, as Radiologists were responsible for the preparation and administration of contrast agents. This dependency often resulted in delays in appointment scheduling, creating bottlenecks in the workflow. To resolve these inefficiencies, an interdisciplinary collaboration was established between Pharmacy Medicines Management, Learning and Development, Radiology, and Vascular Surgery departments. A comprehensive training and competency framework was developed to enable Vascular Scientists to safely prepare and administer contrast agents. The new service model was implemented in November 2023, allowing Vascular Scientists to lead the CEUS service independently.The effectiveness of this Vascular Scientist-led CEUS model was evaluated by comparing it to the previous Radiologist-led model. Key performance metrics such as average waiting times for appointments and scan durations were analysed using pre-existing data from both before and after the implementation of the new model.

The implementation of the Vascular Scientist-led CEUS service demonstrated significant improvements in both appointment scheduling and scan duration. The average waiting time for a CEUS scan appointment decreased from 13 days (Radiologist-led) to 7 days (Vascular Scientist-led). Additionally, scan duration was reduced streamlining the overall patient experience. Importantly, the new pathway also allowed for a more efficient allocation of Radiologist and Vascular Scientist time, as Radiologists could focus on other critical diagnostic and interventional tasks, while Vascular Scientists fully managed the CEUS process.This redistribution of tasks resulted in not only a more efficient use of medical staff time but also significant cost savings for the National Health Service (NHS). By reducing patient waiting times and optimising resource use, the service improved overall workflow efficiency without compromising the quality of patient care.

The introduction of a Vascular Scientist-led CEUS service for detecting endoleaks post-EVAR has proven to be a feasible and effective service improvement model. This initiative not only significantly reduced patient waiting times and scan duration but also optimised the roles of both Radiologists and Vascular Scientists, leading to better resource management and financial savings for the healthcare system. The program represents a significant advancement in the provision of vascular ultrasound services and highlights the expanding role of Vascular Scientists in patient care delivery.Moving forward, the service will undergo routine re-audit and quality assurance checks to ensure that safety, efficacy and patient outcomes are consistently maintained. This initiative paves the way for wider adoption of similar models in other medical imaging services, further developing the expertise of healthcare professionals and improving patient care pathways.