IMAGING Management

This edition of IMAGING Management focuses on a subject, which is close to the hearts of radiologists all across Europe – teleradiology. There are a myriad of changes and challenges that the introduction of teleradiology has brought, and our cover story addresses this issue from a number of angles. The first, by Prof. Johan Blickman, focuses on how the EU is working to iron out the numerous obstacles that stand in the way of the future of European teleradiology. This is followed by a cogent argument by Prof. Peter Pattynama on why radiologists must adapt to the changes that teleradiology is already bringing, with issues such as data security, quality control and the multi-disciplinary approach we must take as imaging professionals in order to re-define our value.

There are many leading medical institutions within Europe who are already providing a not inconsiderable level of teleradiology services to less well-equipped facilities. Having seen how our US counterparts have taken advantage of the growing telemedicine industry in India, experts Dr JR Raja and Kasi Viswanathan, provide an overview of the technical and management issues that come into play. This edition’s features are led by an article from Dutch radiologist Aad Van Der Lugt, working as Project Leader for Europe’s largest population-based study, examining the role imaging plays in preventative care for at-risk groups such as the elderly. This is followed by a look at the growing contrast media segment, and how costs can be saved in radiopharmaceutical R&D. There is no doubt that large pharma companies can learn from the examples provided by small- to mid-sized companies engaged in the same activities, in terms of cost-efficiency and staff management.

Denmark is the subject of our country focus section, a timely one now that its government have decided to reduce the number of counties, and enact a major revision of where and how services will be provided. The Danish Society of Radiology play a key role in advising the National Health Board in Denmark, on where imaging services need to be housed, and how improvements can be made that will increase efficiency. We have also focused on imaging research activities in Denmark, to show what significant projects are underway and how they are managed.