Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2021
Keywords:
Computer applications, RIS, Computer Applications-General, Patterns of Care
DOI:
10.26044/esi2021/ESI-11623
Methods or background
Methodology
The ESR’s guideline methodology was published in Insights into Imaging (32 (2019)). The methodology for the ACR Appropriateness Criteria is the basis for the work of the ESR RGSC and is adhered to as far as applicable.
The basic principles are that any changes ESR experts make to the guidelines should be based on scientific evidence to the largest extent possible, using experience as well as expert opinion, judgement and experience of European practice standards only as a supplement where necessary. No consideration should be given to national, local or institutional circumstances or the availability or quality of imaging equipment, as the resulting guidelines should be generic and equally applicable anywhere in Europe. From this evidence-based core, users, institutions or countries implementing ESR iGuide can make localisations to the content as necessary.
The appropriateness of imaging exams is expressed on a numeric scale of 1 (least appropriate) to 9 (most appropriate). Exams are rated for over 2,300 indications in ESR iGuide for a defined sex (male/female/either) and age range.
The ratings are grouped into three categories:
1-3 (red): usually not appropriate
4-6 (yellow): may be appropriate
7-9 (green): usually appropriate
The ESR iGuide content is divided into 10 different topic areas:
A. Breast Imaging
B. Cardiac Imaging
C. Gastrointestinal Imaging
D. Muscoloskeletal Imaging
E. Neurologic Imaging
F. Paediatric Imaging
G. Thoracic Imaging
H. Urogenital Imaging
I. Vascular Imaging
J. Women's Imaging