Developing a Clinical Service in Interventional Radiology: Results from the 2024 CIRSE Clinical Practice Survey.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Interventional Procedures
• Clinical Practice Development
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Interventional Radiology (IR) requires robust clinical service development to thrive as a distinct medical discipline.
• Establishing comprehensive clinical services is crucial for the advancement and recognition of IR.
• The CIRSE Clinical Services in IR Task Force aimed to evaluate the current state of IR clinical practices globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status of clinical practice among Interventional Radiology (IR) members worldwide.
• To identify specific areas where IR clinical services require additional support and development.
• To gauge the progress of IR in establishing independent clinical services and patient management.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire comprising 63 structured items was distributed to 7,501 CIRSE members in November 2023.
• The survey data was collected over two months, concluding in January 2024.
• Statistical analysis was performed on the complete responses received.

Main Results:

• 520 complete responses were analyzed, revealing that 49.6% of IRs have an outpatient clinic, and 34.5% have a dedicated day-case ward.
• 62% of respondents act as the primary consultant for their patients, and 45% routinely perform ward rounds.
• 40% of IR professionals expressed high confidence in their clinical practice competency, indicating a positive outlook.

Conclusions:

• Encouragingly, approximately half of the surveyed IR professionals have established primary patient access and clinical services.
• Further engagement and development are necessary for IRs not yet fully integrated into clinical service pathways.
• A phased approach, beginning with ward rounds and progressing to full patient pathway responsibility, is recommended for IR clinical service expansion.