Interstitial lung abnormalities management, a real-life survey of England Targeted Lung Health Check

Le résumé fourni par la source

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are incidental computed tomography (CT) findings affecting more than 5% of the lung parenchyma. Their management remains undefined, raising an emerging challenge in lung cancer screening programmes, such as the UK’s Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC). This study aimed to assess current ILA management practices through an online survey. Data were collected via Qualtrics, and the survey was distributed via email, social media, and newsletters to healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in diagnosing or managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) or TLHC referrals. A total of 87 participants completed the survey, including 65.8% respiratory physicians, 15.8% radiologists, 11.7% nurses, and 3.9% general practitioners. Among them, 80.8% worked in centres delivering TLHC. While 50.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ILAs are clinically important, 19.2% disagreed or strongly disagreed. Moreover, 20.5% strongly disagreed, and 47.9% disagreed that the distinction between ILA and ILD is clear. Amongst HCPs managing ILAs detected through TLHC (n=48), the majority (64.6%) did not follow a standardised management pathway, and 14.6% did not offer routine follow-up for ILA. When offered, follow-up was most commonly every 12 months (58.3%). The majority (70.9%) arranged periodic lung function monitoring; however, 43.8% reported that they did not offer routine CT follow-up. Duration of ILA follow-up was variable, with 35.4% following up for 3 years or less and 35.5% for five years or more. Conclusion: Despite being common incidental findings, ILAs lack a standardised management approach, leading to variability in patient care and services.

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