Shortcomings in interventional radiology in Canada and what is needed for change

Interventional Radiology in Canada: Current Challenges and Future Directions

OBJECTIVE

We aim to define the practice of interventional radiology (IR) in Canada, barriers that have been faced by interventional radiologists, and ways in which the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association (CIRA) have attempted to address these issues.

CONCLUSION

IR has faced significant challenges in the Canadian setting. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, leaders in the field of IR in Canada founded the CIRA to serve as our national voice and lobby group.

Anesthesia Practices for Interventional Radiology in Europe

PURPOSE

The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) prompted an initiative to frame the current European status of anesthetic practices for interventional radiology, in consideration of the current variability of IR suite settings, staffing and anesthetic practices reported in the literature and of the growing debate on sedation administered by non-anesthesiologists, in Europe.

METHODS

Anonymous online survey available to all European CIRSE members to assess IR setting, demographics, peri-procedural care, anesthetic management, resources and staffing, pain management, data collection, safety, management of emergencies and personal opinions on the role CIRSE should have in promoting anesthetic care for interventional radiology.

RESULTS

Predictable differences between countries and national regulations were confirmed, showing how significantly many "local" factors (type and size of centers, the availability of dedicated inpatient bed, availability of anesthesia staff) can affect the routine practice and the expansion of IR as a subspecialty. In addition, the perception of the need for IR to acquire more sedation-related skills is definitely stronger for those who practice with the lowest availability of anesthesia care.

CONCLUSION

Significant country variations and regulations along with a controversial position of the anesthesia community on the issue of sedation administered by non-anesthesiologists substantially represent the biggest drawbacks for the expansion of peri-procedural anesthetic care for IR and for potential initiatives at an European level.

Radiologist income, receipts, and academic performance: an analysis of many nations

Background Considerable interest exists in comparison between healthcare systems across multiple countries, especially where cost enters the discussion. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between radiologists' income, receipts for studies, and academic performance across multiple countries. Material and Methods The annual income of radiologists and receipts for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained based on a survey sent to expert radiologists practicing in 23 countries of varying developmental status. Articles published in generalist radiology journals determined the academic performance of each country. Results Among the developed countries, Canada has the highest estimated annual income for both private ($700,000/year) and university radiologists ($600,000/year) while Spain has the lowest income for private practice ($68,000/year) and Portugal has the lowest income for university practice ($57,300/year). Among the developing countries, Saudi Arabia has the highest incomes for both private ($210,000/year) and university ($140,000/year) radiologists and Vietnam has the lowest incomes for both private ($30,000/year) and university ($6,000/year) radiologists. Total receipts for CT and MRI studies ranged from $80/study (Portugal) to $1000/study (USA) in developed countries, and ranged from $30/study (Egypt) to $700/study (Saudi Arabia) in developing countries. A moderate correlation ( r = 0.482) was seen between radiologist's income and the receipts for combined practice in all countries. The radiology journal academic quotient was highest in The Netherlands among developed countries, and Turkey among developing countries. Conclusion A relatively broad range of radiologists' income is observed among developed and developing countries, which shows correlation with the receipts for advanced imaging studies. Countries with an acceptable compromise between income, receipts, and academic performance, may be the best models for other countries to emulate.

Advancing radiology through informed leadership: summary of the proceedings of the Seventh Biannual Symposium of the International Society for Strategic Studies in Radiology (IS(3)R), 23-25 August 2007

The International Society for Strategic Studies in Radiology (IS³R) brings together thought leaders from academia and industry from around the world to share ideas, points of view and new knowledge. This article summarizes the main concepts presented at the 2007 IS³R symposium, providing a window onto trends shaping the future of radiology. Topics addressed include new opportunities and challenges in the field of interventional radiology; emerging techniques for evaluating and improving quality and safety in radiology; and factors impeding progress in molecular imaging and nanotechnology and possible ways to overcome them. Regulatory hurdles to technical innovation and drug development are also discussed more broadly, along with proposals for addressing regulators’ concerns and streamlining the regulatory process.