Newswise — Reston, Va. (Dec. 1, 2014) — Image Wisely.org now offers online educational materials for fluoroscopy, computed tomography and nuclear medicine exams. Fluoroscopy is the latest addition to Image Wisely®, which helps radiology providers optimize radiation dose and provide safe, effective imaging care.
“Fluoroscopy can deliver one of the higher radiation doses in medical imaging. This new initiative will help radiology providers deliver quality patient care and optimize radiation dose and image quality during fluoroscopic procedures,” said Richard Morin, PhD, co-chair and American College of Radiology (ACR) representative to Image Wisely.
The materials cover a broad array of topics including principles of radiation safety for patients and the teams performing fluoroscopy procedures, dose monitoring, teamwork, organizational culture, checklists and other tools from the process improvement perspective. Also included are protocols and techniques on principles for diagnostic fluoroscopic procedures, interventional procedures and cardiac procedures. “Careful planning and execution of fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures can reduce procedure risk as well as radiation exposure to the patient and hospital staff,” said William Mayo-Smith, MD, co-chair and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) representative to Image Wisely.
While fluoroscopy is the third largest source of medical radiation exposure behind computed tomography and nuclear medicine, it provides tremendous diagnostic and treatment value. Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures, including barium enemas, cardiac catheterization, arthrography, angiography and biopsies.
“Our goal is to ensure that every facility uses appropriate dose reduction techniques when performing fluoroscopic procedures,” said Donald Peck, PhD, American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) representative to Image Wisely. “The new Image Wisely webpage is a one-stop location to find advice and links to credible resources to help facilities reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to the patient due to excess radiation and improper technique.” “Radiation safety during fluoroscopic procedures depends on an extensive network of people working together as a team,” said Greg Morrison, MA, RT (R), American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) representative to Image Wisely. “High-performing teams greatly exceed the capabilities of individuals, no matter their skill, intelligence or dedication.”
Image Wisely encourages imaging providers to demonstrate to patients that they “image wisely” by taking the Image Wisely pledge.
There are three online pledge options:
(1) Pledge as an individual(2) Pledge as a facility(3) Pledge as an association
Image Wisely also offers free radiation safety cases on Imaging Wisely When Evaluating for Pulmonary Embolism; Technical Errors and Image Quality in Digital Radiography; Dose Management in Endovascular Image-Guided Neuro-Interventions; and CT Dose and Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE). To access the cases, visit imagewisely.org/case.
Image Wisely is a collaborative initiative of the ACR, RSNA, ASRT and AAPM. The four charter members of Image Wisely represent more than 200,000 physicians, radiologic technologists and medical physicists who play key roles in medical imaging.
For additional information, or to interview a spokesperson, contact any of the following:
Shawn Farley703-648-8936[email protected]
Maureen Morley630-590-7754[email protected]
Lisa Rose Sullivan301-209-3387[email protected]
Ceela McElveny505-298-4500[email protected]
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