European survey on imaging referral guidelines
Denis Remedios1, Monika Hierath, Nick Ashford
1Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK, denis.remedios@nhs.net.
Insights Into Imaging
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Most European countries are aware of legal requirements for radiological imaging referral guidelines, with a majority supporting the development of European-level guidelines. Key features for effective guidelines include dose information and specific advice for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Radiological imaging referral guidelines are crucial for appropriate use and justification of procedures.
- Variations in guidelines across European Union (EU) Member States may lead to inconsistencies in care.
- A Europe-wide assessment is needed to understand the current landscape of these guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To devise and implement a Europe-wide study on referral guidelines for radiological imaging.
- To identify major issues, differences between EU Member States, and best practices in guideline development and implementation.
- To assess the availability, development methodology, and future needs for European community action on imaging guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was conducted across 30 European countries, including all 28 EU Member States.
- The questionnaire targeted representatives of national radiological and nuclear medicine societies and radiation protection authorities.
- Data on guideline availability, development, and preferences for future initiatives were collated and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Awareness of legal requirements for guidelines was reported in 21/30 countries, and guideline availability in 18/30 countries.
- A majority of respondents favored the development of European Guidelines, either through consensus of national guidelines or centrally developed Pan-European Guidelines.
- Guidelines in two countries incorporated radiation dose information, specific advice for pediatric and pregnant patients, evidence-based processes, and formal consensus.
Conclusions:
- Respondents highlighted the need for educational initiatives, integration into clinical decision support systems, and clinical audits to reinforce guideline use.
- There is strong support for harmonized European Guidelines to facilitate justification and appropriate use of radiological diagnostic procedures.
- Effective guidelines should include radiation dose information, specific considerations for children and pregnant women, and be evidence-based.
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