Education and training in low-dose CT lung cancer screening across Europe: a survey study

To explore the status of low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LCS) training practices, identify existing gaps, and define key competencies to be included in LCS educational curricula.

As part of the European SOLACE project, a structured cross-sectional survey consisting of 11 closed- and open-ended items, developed based on relevant literature, international guidelines, and expert input to assess LCS current practices and training needs, was administered to a panel of European LCS experts. Participants were invited to individual Zoom interviews (May-November 2025). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Twenty-five LCS experts were interviewed from 14 European countries, including 10 radiologists (40%), 8 pulmonologists (32%), 4 thoracic surgeons (16%), 1 project manager (4%), 1 smoking cessation specialist (4%), and 1 general practitioner (GP) (4%). Reported training activities ranged from established programmes (4/14 countries), to learning initiatives (6/14) and/or planned programmes (4/14). Radiologists (96%), pulmonologists (80%), and GPs (60%) were identified as the main target groups for training. On a 6-point Likert scale (0 = not important, 5 = extremely important), experts indicated limited awareness of training needs as the most relevant gap (mean 2.8 ± 2.2). Key educational areas to be strengthened included management of incidental findings (4.5 ± 0.6) and confident use of guidelines for nodule management (3.8 ± 1.8). Among essential competencies for professionals involved in LCS, the highest-rated were competence in managing incidental findings (4.7 ± 0.6), familiarity with guideline-based nodule management (4.7 ± 0.6), basic knowledge of AI tools (4.5 ± 0.8), and communication with LCS participants (4.5 ± 1.1).

The findings suggest a heterogeneous LCS training landscape across European countries and underscore the importance of developing shared European curricula. Key priorities may include strengthening technical skills alongside structured communication training.

Education and training of all stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of LCS programmes. This survey assesses the current status of LCS training practices across Europe, identifies existing gaps, and defines key competencies to inform future curricula for health professionals involved in LCS. The European LCS training landscape is highly heterogeneous, with substantial variability in training activities, target professionals, and delivery modalities.