Affidea's Pioneering Contributions to Radiology: Showcasing Innovation and Quality at ECR 2024

Affidea's impactful participation at the European Congress of Radiology 2024 highlights its forefront position in enhancing radiological practices and patient care. With 8 insightful clinical presentations, the clinical team demonstrated a strong commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in diagnostic imaging across Europe.

Dr Charles Niehaus, Executive Director for Affidea Group, said: "Our significant contributions to the European Congress of Radiology this year show our focus on innovation and clinical excellence. These presentations are a testament to our commitment to advancing healthcare standards, improving patient safety, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in quality.”

Dr Alessandro Roncacci, SVP Chief Medical Officer for Affidea Group, added: "The content of our presentations at the congress reflects our holistic approach to healthcare delivery. By emphasising quality, safety, and efficiency, we are not only enhancing patient care but also contributing to the evolution of radiological practices. Our efforts across Europe highlight the transformative power of collaborative innovation in the field of diagnostic imaging."

Here's a more detailed look at each presentation and the strides Affidea is making in the field.

Clinical audit in the Radiology department. 5-year experience in 14 European countries

Authors: A. Papachristodoulou , A. Roncacci , C. Paraskevopoulou;

Presented by Nasia Papachristodoulou, Director of Clinical Governance and Quality for Affidea Group, this study underscored the breadth and depth of implementing clinical audits in 127 radiology departments across 14 European countries. It provides an elaborate overview of how structured audits based on the ESR tool can systematically improve quality and safety in radiology services. The methodology addressed key operational aspects, including patient workflow, consent procedures, emergency preparedness, and personnel training. The audits' outcomes have significantly shaped policies, demonstrating Affidea's proactive stance on clinical governance and risk mitigation.

CT radiographers play crucial part in Dose Management: from CT modalities to Dose Team activities - EuroSafe Imaging Poster

Authors: C. Colmo , Z. Barbócz , I. Turos , A. Curtin , M. Vaišvilaite , M. Kostaridakis , A. Papachristodoulou , A. Roncacci , C. Paraskevopoulou;

Cristian Colmo, Lead Specialist for Affidea’s Dose Excellence Programme, will present at ECR an innovative model showcasing the pivotal role of CT radiographers in enhancing dose management across various imaging modalities.

This initiative illustrated the strategic shift towards a radiographer-led approach in dose optimisation, highlighting the creation of standardised CT protocols, the establishment of diagnostic reference levels, and the implementation of a radiation dose monitoring system. The success of this program in meeting and surpassing key performance indicators showcases Affidea's commitment to leveraging team expertise for patient safety.

Introducing a multi-institutional organisation Dose Management Program in a country with 21 CT centres - Poster presentation

Authors: C. Paraskevopoulou , I. Turos , C. Colmo , A. Papachristodoulou , A. Roncacci

This presentation, led by Chryssa Paraskevopoulou, Group Dose Management & Radiation Protection Manager for Affidea, highlights the challenges and successes of implementing a Dose Management Program across 21 CT centres in Romania.

Using the example from Romania, Chryssa emphasised through this study the critical role of data benchmarking, educational initiatives, and protocol optimisation in achieving significant dose reductions and enhancing compliance with established diagnostic reference levels.

The concerted efforts led to a remarkable improvement in radiation safety and patient care, reflecting Affidea's dedication to setting new standards in diagnostic imaging practices.

Monitoring performance indicators for Quality improvement in Radiology: experience from 15 European countries

Authors: A. Papachristodoulou , K. C. B. Santana, A. Roncacci , C. Paraskevopoulou

Karla Santana, Quality and Risk Manager for Affidea Group, will present at ECR the use of performance indicators to monitor and enhance quality in over 341 radiology and radiotherapy departments. This approach provided a structured framework for assessing and improving quality metrics, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring, multidisciplinary collaboration, and context-sensitive analysis.

The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of quality improvement, reinforcing Affidea's role in pioneering patient-centered care.

Needlestick injuries in Diagnostic Imaging Department. Analysis of causes and impact of safety strategy in 15 European countries

Authors: A. Papachristodoulou , C. Domingos Filho , A. Roncacci , C. Paraskevopoulou;

This study presented a thorough analysis of needlestick injuries, illustrating Affidea's comprehensive strategy to mitigate such incidents. The deployment of targeted training, educational campaigns, and a focused safety strategy led to a notable reduction in needlestick injuries, enhancing the safety culture within diagnostic imaging departments. This initiative demonstrates Affidea's commitment to protecting patients, personnel, and third parties from preventable hazards.

Preventable risks in Radiology and Radiotherapy department: analysis of patient falls and impact of quality improvement actions in 15 European countries

Authors: A. Papachristodoulou , E. Virág , C. Paraskevopoulou , A. Roncacci

Affidea's focused analysis on preventing patient falls in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments revealed a targeted approach to improving patient safety.

By categorising the severity of falls and implementing specific training and support measures, the team significantly reduced incidents, particularly post-procedure. This presentation highlights the organisation's dedication to creating a safer care environment through pre-emptive action and continuous safety education.

Standardisation of CT procedures as first step of Dose Management: different Countries and different approaches

Authors: C. Colmo , I. Turos , C. Ekmekçi , Z. Barbócz , M. Kostaridakis , A. Papachristodoulou , A. Roncacci , C. Paraskevopoulou ;

The effort to harmonise CT procedures across 15 countries represents a critical milestone in dose management. By establishing standardised protocols and diagnostic reference levels, Affidea has effectively optimised radiation doses, ensuring patient safety and enhancing the quality of care. This initiative underscores the importance of standardisation in achieving consistent, high-quality diagnostic imaging services.

Results of MR fusion transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in single center

Authors: G. Volford, F. M. Márványkövi, H. Groszeibl, T. Beöthe, P. Dombóvári, I. Buzogány, L. Kardos;

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm in men. MRI plays a significant role in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In Hungary, transrectal ultrasound-guided systemic biopsy is the common practice to verify suspected prostate cancer cases. MRI fusion-ultrasound guided targeted biopsy (MRI-TBx) is a novel technique that may aid the better detection of prostate cancer. This presentation aims to report the results of MRI-TBx or MRI-TBx combined with systemic biopsy performed in Affidea Hungary.

Affidea's dynamic presence at the European Congress of Radiology 2024 showcases its leadership in radiology and healthcare innovation. The organisation's initiatives in clinical audits, dose management, quality improvement, safety strategies and innovative methodologies underscore its pivotal role in setting new benchmarks for healthcare excellence.

Disclosure of conflict of interest: Point-of-View articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and they are part of the HealthManagement.org Corporate Engagement or Educational Community Programme.