Medical applications of ionizing radiation and radiation protection for European patients, population and environment

Medical applications of ionising radiation (IR) represent a key component of the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, guaranteeing efficient health care. The use of IR in medicine, the largest source of general population radiation exposure, is potentially associated with increased risk of cancer and non-cancer diseases, which needs to be evaluated to provide evidence-based input for risk-benefit considerations. Efforts are also needed to improve the safety and efficacy of medical applications through optimisation. The EC Euratom programme enhances research in medical radiation protection. The four complementary multidisciplinary projects presented here contribute to (1) improving knowledge on exposure and effects of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and (2) transferring results into clinical practice. The common aim is to optimise use for individual patients, enhance education and training, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, particularly related to technologies based on artificial intelligence. MEDIRAD, SINFONIA and HARMONIC focus on improving exposure estimation and studying the detrimental effects of diagnostic and therapeutic medical exposures in patients and staff using different endpoints. EURAMED rocc-n-roll brings together the results of the projects and the recommendations generated by them to build, in collaboration with the EU Radiation Protection research platforms, a strategic research agenda and a roadmap for research priorities

Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: an analysis from the EURAMED rocc-n-roll project

Background: A Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis was performed to understand the status quo of education and training in radiation protection (RP) and to develop a coordinated European approach to RP training needs based on stakeholder consensus and existing activities in the field. Fourteen team members represented six European professional societies, one European voluntary organisation, two international healthcare organisations and five professions, namely: Medical Physicists; Nuclear Medicine Physicians; Radiologists; Radiation Oncologists and Radiographers. Four subgroups analysed the “Strengths”, “Weaknesses”, “Opportunities” and “Threats” related to E&T in RP developed under previous European Union (EU) programmes and on the Guidelines on Radiation Protection Education and Training of Medical Professionals in the EU. Results: Consensus agreement identified four themes for strengths and opportunities, namely: (1) existing structures and training recommendations; (2) RP training needs assessment and education & training (E&T) model(s) development; (3) E&T dissemination, harmonisation, and accreditation; (4) financial supports. Weaknesses and Threats analysis identified two themes: (1) awareness and prioritisation at a national/global level and (2) awareness and prioritisation by healthcare professional groups and researchers. Conclusions: A lack of effective implementation of RP principles in daily practice was identified. EuRnR strategic planning needs to consider processes at European, national and local levels. Success is dependent upon efficient governance structures and expert leadership. Financial support is required to allow the stakeholder professional agencies to have sufficient resources to achieve a pan European radiation protection training network which is sustainable and accredited across multiple national domains.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

How to improve access to medical imaging in low- and middle-income countries ?

Imaging has become key in the care pathway of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Yet, there are major shortages of imaging equipment and workforce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The International Society of Radiology outlines a plan to upscale the role of imaging in the global health agenda and proposes a holistic approach for LMICs. A generic model for organising imaging services in LMICs via regional Centres of Reference is presented. The need to better exploit IT and the potential of artificial intelligence for imaging, also in the LMIC setting, is highlighted. To implement the proposed plan, involvement of professional and international organisations is considered crucial. The establishment of an International Commission on Medical Imaging under the umbrella of international organisations is suggested and collaboration with other diagnostic disciplines is encouraged to raise awareness of the importance to upscale diagnostics at large and to foster its integration into the care pathway globally

Medical applications of ionizing radiation and radiation protection for European patients, population and environment

Medical applications of ionising radiation (IR) represent a key component of the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, guaranteeing efficient health care. The use of IR in medicine, the largest source of general population radiation exposure, is potentially associated with increased risk of cancer and non-cancer diseases, which needs to be evaluated to provide evidence-based input for risk-benefit considerations. Efforts are also needed to improve the safety and efficacy of medical applications through optimisation. The EC Euratom programme enhances research in medical radiation protection. The four complementary multidisciplinary projects presented here contribute to (1) improving knowledge on exposure and effects of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and (2) transferring results into clinical practice. The common aim is to optimise use for individual patients, enhance education and training, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, particularly related to technologies based on artificial intelligence. MEDIRAD, SINFONIA and HARMONIC focus on improving exposure estimation and studying the detrimental effects of diagnostic and therapeutic medical exposures in patients and staff using different endpoints. EURAMED rocc-n-roll brings together the results of the projects and the recommendations generated by them to build, in collaboration with the EU Radiation Protection research platforms, a strategic research agenda and a roadmap for research priorities

Justification of CT practices across Europe: results of a survey of national competent authorities and radiology societies

OBJECTIVES: Published literature on justification of computed tomography (CT) examinations in Europe is sparse but demonstrates consistent sub-optimal application. As part of the EU initiated CT justification project, this work set out to capture CT justification practices across Europe. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire consisting of mostly closed multiple-choice questions was distributed to national competent authorities and to presidents of European radiology societies in EU member states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK (n = 31). RESULTS: Fifty-one results were received from 30 European countries. Just 47% (n = 24) stated that advance justification of individual CT examinations is performed by a medical practitioner. Radiologists alone mostly (n = 27, 53%) perform daily justification of CT referrals although this is a shared responsibility in many countries. Imaging referral guidelines are widely available although just 13% (n = 6) consider them in daily use. Four countries (Cyprus, Ireland, Sweden, UK) reported having them embedded within clinical decision support systems. Justification of new practices with CT is mostly regulated (77%) although three countries (Belgium, Iceland and Portugal) reported not having any national system in place for generic justification. Health screening with CT was reported by seven countries as part of approved screening programmes and by eight countries outside. When performed, CT justification audits were reported to improve CT justification rates. CONCLUSIONS: CT justification practices vary across Europe with less than 50% using advance justification and a minority having clinical decision support systems in place. CT for health screening purposes is not currently widely used in Europe. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13244-022-01325-1

Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: results from the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll project survey

Key points 1. European health professionals reveal different RP E&T experiences. 2. Around 12% of the respondents report the absence of undergraduate RP topics. 3. The radiation protection problems perception varies across Europe. 4. The results revealed a heterogeneity of compliance with the EU recommendations