The European Society of Radiology (ESR) is pleased to announce the launch of the ESR EuroSafe Imaging Tutorial on Referral Guidelines, an online course designed to help referring physicians understand the principle of justification for medical exposures and to learn how to effectively use imaging referral guidelines.
The tutorial has been developed by the ESR in collaboration with the Luxembourg Ministry of Health and Social Security to address the training gap in justification. It also addresses one of the outcomes of the ‘European co-ordinated action on improving justification of computed tomography’ (EU-JUST-CT) project.
With this new educational offer, the ESR provides its members the opportunity to enhance their understanding of justification and referral guidelines and to fulfil the requirement to undergo training in justification, particularly in countries where such training is legally required for referring physicians.
The 3-hour online tutorial consists of a theoretical part, providing insight into the principle of justification for medical exposures, legal requirements, the role of referral guidelines and how the ESR iGuide Clinical Decision Support can help improve justification. During the practical part, the tutors explain how to use the ESR iGuide and demonstrate how to use the portal for each case to identify the most appropriate imaging exam. By passing the subsequent online exam consisting of theoretical and practical MCQs, participants can obtain a certificate of completion.
Professor Boris Brkljačić, lead of the EU-JUST-CT project, highlights the importance of clinical imaging guidelines: “Diagnostic radiology is the widest spread form of medical ionising radiation. In the last few decades, CT examinations have significantly increased and now account for more than half of the medical radiation exposure of EU citizens. Considering that ionising radiation can cause damage to living tissues and organs, referrers and practitioners must ensure to choose the most appropriate examination for the patient with the minimum exposure needed. Clinical imaging guidelines and CDS systems are extremely helpful tools to achieve this essential requirement.”
The ESR iGuide served as a reference standard in the EU-JUST-CT project, which carried out pilot audits of justification of Computed Tomography (CT) examinations in seven European countries. This was the first time that the same methodology for auditing the justification of CT examinations was used simultaneously in several countries. The 36-month European Commission-funded project concluded in March 2024 and was coordinated by the ESR. Its final report was published as part of the EC’s Radiation Protection Series (No. 205) in September 2024 and can be accessed here.
Ms. Alexandra Karoussou-Schreiner, co-lead of EU-JUST-CT project, concludes: “The European Basic Safety Standards Directive requires that individual radiological procedures are justified to make sure that their health benefit outweighs the potential harm. Importantly, the Directive also prescribes a justification process under the clinical responsibility of a practitioner and involving the referring physician. Our EU-JUST-CT project showed that education and training on justification and clinical audit are essential to improve the implementation of the justification process. I encourage all referring physicians, not only in my country where training on referral guidelines for medical imaging is legally required, and all radiologists as well to take the tutorial.”
Subscription to the Tutorial is now open at an early bird rate of EUR 150 (plus applicable VAT) that will be valid until August 31, 2025. For more information and subscription, please visit the ESR website.
About the European Society of Radiology (ESR)
The European Society of Radiology (ESR) is one of the world’s largest and most influential radiology organisations, dedicated to advancing medical imaging for improved patient care. With more than 140,000 members worldwide, ESR promotes education, research, and innovation in radiology. The society organises the annual European Congress of Radiology (ECR), one of the world’s leading medical imaging meetings, bringing together professionals from across the globe.
About EuroSafe Imaging
EuroSafe Imaging is the European Society of Radiology’s flagship initiative to promote quality and safety in medical imaging. The mission of EuroSafe Imaging is to support and strengthen medical radiation protection across Europe following a holistic, inclusive approach.
About ESR iGuide
ESR iGuide is a clinical decision support system for European imaging referral guidelines developed by the European Society of Radiology (ESR), primarily designed to deliver evidence-based clinical decision support directly into clinical workflows. It follows an evidence-based approach, enhancing patient safety and service quality by promoting appropriate imaging use and reducing unnecessary exams.
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