Background/introduction
There is an increasing emphasis on improving both quality and consistency of radiological clinical audit throughout Europe. Not only is this mandated as compulsory by the EU-BSSD, but is a key way of improving patient care and outcomes1. A recent survey conducted by the ESR in November 2018 suggested that additional audit infrastructure needed to be in place to support departments2. The ESR has made it a priority to improve clinical audit across European radiology departments and not only identified areas where improvements are required...
Description of activity and work performed
A survey monkey questionnaire was produced (see Table 1). This was sent to all National Radiological Societies (total 48) within the established European Radiological National Society Network on 22ndMay 2019 in an email. The Soceties were instructed to distribute the survey to their departments via their usual means of communication.
The survey was closed on the 12thJuly 2019 and data returned directly to the ESR office where results were tabulated.
A sample of the questions is included in Table 1:
Conclusion and recommendations
Results:
43 radiology departments responded (28 EU, 15 outside the EU), belonging to 16/48National Societies.
51% reported actively engaging in clinical audit but only 25% felt they had the resources to allow compliance with EU-BSSD.
Only 58% of respondents are familiar with the Esperanto audit guide. Most departments who were familiar with the guide rated it positive/very positive in terms of clinical utility, range of topics and accessibility.
62.8% (27/43 departments) participated in National Programmes.
The majority of departments would be prepared to participate in...
Personal/organisational information
N. Mahmood; Sussex/UK, C. Law; East Sussex/UK,R. Curcio; Vienna/AT, M. Hierath; Vienna/AT, A. Brady; Cork/IE, A. Rockall; London/UK, G. P. Frija; Paris/FR, L. Bonomo; Rome/IT, D. Howlett; Eastbourne/UK.
No co-author has anything to disclose.
With thanks to the ESR, Eurosafe Imaging Stars Network and departments and European National Societies and departments.
References
1.1.European Council directive 2013/59/Euratom on basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation and repealing directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641, 97/43 Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom. OJ of the EU. L13; 57:1-73(2014)
2.Howlett, D.C., Brady, A.P., Frija, G.et al.The Current Status of Uptake of European BSS Directive (2013/59/Euratom) Requirements – Results of a Pilot Survey in European Radiology Departments with a Focus on Clinical Audit.Insights Imaging10,50 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13244-019-0734-6