Keywords:
Interventional non-vascular, Management, CT, Ultrasound, Biopsy, Drainage, Education and training, Workforce
Authors:
K. Ahmad , E. Hoey, M. Djearaman, A. Ganeshan; Birmingham/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-3567
Aims and objectives
Since its inception,
interventional radiology (IR) has monopolised the use of minimally invasive procedures in patient management.
As techniques and technology evolves,
the range of procedures encompassed by IR continues to expand [1].
This,
coupled with a distinct lack of interventional trainees and skilled allied professionals has created soaring demand for elective and emergency IR services.
Irrespective of population growth,
IR workload is predicted to further rise in correlation with advancements in technology [2].
Presently,
in the UK,
there is currently significant under-provision of trained interventionalists.
Should this continue to be unaddressed there is a risk that patient safety may be compromised [1],[3].
Although progress has been made to expand the IR workforce by increasing available trainee posts and training allied professionals,
the demand has not yet been met.
A programme was therefore devised within our trust,
whereby all consultant diagnostic radiologists underwent training to refresh their basic interventional skills.
The aim of this programme was to alleviate interventional workload thereby reducing inpatient waiting times and allowing interventionalists to focus on technically challenging procedures.