Computed tomography referral guidelines adherence in Europe: insights from a seven-country audit.

Background: Ensuring appropriate computed tomography (CT) utilization optimizes patient care while minimizing radiation exposure. Decision support tools show promise for standardizing appropriateness.

Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to assess CT appropriateness rates using the European Society of Radiology (ESR) iGuide criteria across seven European countries.

Clinical audit in European radiology: current status and recommendations for improvement endorsed by the European Society of Radiology (ESR).

Clinical audit is an important quality improvement activity and has significant benefits for patients in terms of enhanced care, safety, experience and outcomes. Clinical audit in support of radiation protection is mandated within the European Council Basic Safety Standards Directive (BSSD), 2013/59/Euratom. The European Society of Radiology (ESR) has recognised clinical audit as an area of particular importance in the delivery of safe and effective health care.

Justification of CT practices across Europe: results of a survey of national competent authorities and radiology societies.

Objectives: Published literature on justification of computed tomography (CT) examinations in Europe is sparse but demonstrates consistent sub-optimal application. As part of the EU initiated CT justification project, this work set out to capture CT justification practices across Europe.

Methods: An electronic questionnaire consisting of mostly closed multiple-choice questions was distributed to national competent authorities and to presidents of European radiology societies in EU member states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK (n = 31).

National audit on the appropriateness of CT and MRI examinations in Luxembourg.

Objectives: In Luxembourg, the frequency of CT and MRI examinations per inhabitant is among the highest in Europe. A national audit was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of CT and MRI examinations according to the national referral guidelines for medical imaging.

Methods: Three hundred and eighty-eight CT and 330 MRI requests corresponding to already performed examinations were provided by all radiology departments in Luxembourg.