Summary of the proceedings of the International Forum 2017: “Position of interventional radiology within radiology”

Abstract

The International Forum is held once a year by the ESR and its international radiological partner societies with the aim to address and discuss selected topics of global relevance in radiology. In 2017, the issue of the position of interventional radiology (IR) within radiology was analysed. IR is expanding because of the increased patient demand for minimally invasive therapies performed under imaging guidance, and its success in improving patient outcomes, reducing in-hospital stays, reducing morbidity and mortality of treatment in many organs and organ-systems. Despite the many successes of IR, public awareness about it is quite low. IR requires specific training and, in most countries, the majority of interventional radiologists do not dedicate their time completely to IR but perform diagnostic radiology investigations as well. Turf battles in IR are common in many countries. To preserve and keep IR within radiology, it is necessary to focus more on direct and longitudinal patient care. Having beds dedicated to IR within radiology departments is very important to increase clinical involvement of interventional radiologists. IR procedures fit perfectly within "value-based healthcare", but the metrics have to be developed.

Main messages

• IR should stay a prominent subspecialty within radiology.

• Dedicated IR training pathways are mandatory.

• Measures to increase recruitment of young doctors to IR and to increase public awareness of IR are needed.

• Beds dedicated to IR within radiology departments are important in order to increase clinical involvement of interventional radiologists.

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