The session "Bringing Value-based Radiology to the Next Level" at the European Congress of Radiology explored the evolving role of radiology in delivering patient-centred value. Experts discussed metrics for assessing radiology’s impact, the diverse perspectives of stakeholders and the integration of sustainability into value-based care.
Metrics in Value-based Radiology
Jacob Johannes Visser's session focused on value-based radiology, emphasising the need for collaboration and comprehensive impact assessment. He traced the origins of value-based healthcare to Professor Michael Porter’s definition—outcomes over costs—and discussed the shift from volume-based to value-based metrics in radiology.
Visser highlighted that radiology’s value extends beyond image interpretation, involving the entire patient care pathway. He referenced the hierarchical model by Fryback, stressing that higher-level value requires demonstrating benefits at lower levels. He advocated for quantifying clinically relevant outcomes, citing AI-assisted detection of incidental pulmonary embolism as an example: “Approximately half of those cases are being missed by the radiologist.”
He introduced an AI-supported nodule clinic for lung cancer detection, addressing gaps in nodule detection and follow-up. He linked this to the HTA core model, which evaluates new technologies across nine domains, including effectiveness, safety, costs and ethical considerations. “We only can add value if the organisation is working very well,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of integration and patient-centred care.
Visser concluded by urging collaboration across disciplines, using data-driven approaches to enhance radiology’s role in patient outcomes.
Value-based Radiology from Multiple Perspectives
Ruth Mary Strudwick, a diagnostic radiographer and qualitative researcher, explored the perspectives of different stakeholders in value-based practice. She emphasised the importance of considering patient, carer, radiographer and healthcare manager viewpoints to enhance service delivery.
Patients prioritise clear communication, involvement in their care and being treated with empathy. "One of the most important things is communication to them, getting the information that they need." Carers value their loved ones receiving proper care and being included when necessary.
Radiographers and radiologists seek valid imaging requests and a balance between technical quality and patient comfort. Healthcare managers focus on efficiency and minimising complaints. Strudwick stressed that assumptions should never be made, advocating for active listening and collaboration. "Time taken at the start of an interaction with a patient to get to know them and what’s important to them is time saved in the long run."
Sustainability: at the Top of the Value Chain
James Alan Brink explored the intersection of sustainability and value-based radiology, noting the paradox that while healthcare saves lives, it also harms the environment. He stated, “We’re here to deliver value and yet somehow we detract from it just simply through the environmental impact that we have.”
Radiology consumes 15–20% of hospital electricity, with a single imaging suite using the power of 900 homes. Brink urged action, including optimising equipment use, leveraging energy-saving modes and reducing single-use medical plastics. He outlined key sustainability drivers: efficiency, reputation and ethics, stressing that responsible practices can enhance patient experience and lower costs.
He cautioned against superficial efforts and emphasised real action, saying, “We don’t want to just practise greenwashing”. At Mass General Brigham, initiatives like reducing MRI power in off-hours have saved €384,600 ($400,000) annually, and AI is being used to track supply chain emissions.
Brink concluded that sustainable practices in radiology improve value by balancing quality, experience and cost while aligning with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.
Advancing value-based radiology requires collaboration, data-driven decision-making and sustainable practices. By aligning clinical outcomes, patient experience and environmental responsibility, radiology can enhance its contribution to healthcare while addressing future challenges.
Source & Image Credit: ECR 2025
