[Vascular and interventional radiology from primary care: knowledge, barriers and opportunities for improvement in Spain]

Primary Care is the first level of the healthcare system and fundamental for continuity of care. Currently, vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) remains a little-known and underutilized option among family physicians (FPs). This study aims to identify the level of knowledge, barriers, and opportunities for improvement in Primary Care in Spain regarding VIR to promote more efficient and equitable integration.

This was a nationwide, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study using online surveys distributed by the Spanish Society of Interventional Radiology (SERVEI), the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN), and the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (SEMG) between March and May 2025. The responses of 243 FPs regarding their professional profile, training, referral experience, and perception of organizational barriers were analyzed.

A total of 76.1% of family physicians rated their knowledge of vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) as deficient, and 88.9% had never made a direct referral. Although 88.9% perceived a high clinical benefit, there are organizational difficulties: 58.8% were unaware of the referral pathways and 30% of the communication channels. A high degree of territorial variability in referrals was observed (0% to 33.3%), which does not depend exclusively on knowledge, suggesting the influence of local organizational factors.

In many cases, family physicians are unaware of VIR due to a lack of specific training and the absence of organizational pathways. Improving this situation requires parallel training initiatives and the establishment of clear and agreed-upon care pathways.