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The current position of cardiac radiology in the United Kingdom
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Insights
This study surveyed UK hospitals on cardiac radiology. Findings reveal a need for more specialized training and consultant involvement in advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology Training
Background:
- Cardiovascular radiology is a critical subspecialty within diagnostic imaging.
- Assessing the current landscape of consultant commitment and training in this field is essential for future development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dedication of consultant radiologists to cardiovascular radiology.
- To assess the training provided to non-consultant radiologists in cardiac radiology.
- To understand the current practices and needs within UK hospitals.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 39 UK hospitals with cardiosurgical units or cardiac radiology departments.
- Data collection focused on consultant involvement in cardiac radiology and training programs for non-consultants.
- Response rate was 90%, with 33 departments reporting a cardiac radiology consultant.
Main Results:
- Out of 63 consultant cardiac radiologists, most reported on cine angiography; many also performed additional imaging techniques.
- Only a minority of departments with training programs offered formal rotations at registrar or senior registrar levels.
- A significant number of departments expressed interest in creating additional cardiac radiology posts if trained personnel were available.
Conclusions:
- There is a notable commitment to cine angiography among consultant cardiac radiologists.
- Current formal training pathways in cardiac radiology are limited, indicating a potential gap in subspecialty education.
- A demand exists for more specialized cardiac radiology posts, contingent on the availability of adequately trained professionals.
Abstract:
A questionnaire was sent to 39 hospitals, in the United Kingdom, 38 with a cardiosurgical unit and one with a cardiac radiology department. The object was to ascertain the commitment of consultant radiologists to cardiovascular radiology and cardiac radiology in particular and to evaluate training given to non-consultant radiologists in this subspecialty. Thirty-five (90%) departments responded, 33 of which had a cardiac radiology consultant. All but three of the 63 consultant cardiac radiologists report cine angiography. Of the 63, 26 perform one additional imaging technique and 21 perform two or more additional imaging techniques. The remaining 16 consultants only report on cine angiography. Only nine of 21 departments in which some form of cardiac radiology training was given, had a rotation through the subspecialty at registrar or senior registrar level. Twenty-one departments thought that an additional post in cardiac radiology would be sought if trained people were available.