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Open Access 01-02-2013 | Original Article

European Teleradiology now and in the future: results of an online survey

Authors: E. R. Ranschaert, F. H. Barneveld Binkhuysen

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Objectives

To obtain an overview of teleradiology usage within Europe, to evaluate the current opinion and future vision about this technique.

Methods

A web-based survey targeted at active radiologists throughout Europe.

Results

A total of 368 radiology professionals participated in the survey. Among them 65 % currently use teleradiology. The main usages are in-house image distribution (71 %) and on-call readings from home (44 %). The major advantages are improved collaboration with other radiologists (46 %) and efficient distribution of workload (38 %). Outsourcing is performed by 35 % of the participants, among them 68 % use commercial services. The major advantages of outsourcing are availability of second opinions (82 %) and additional capacity for on-call services (71 %). The major disadvantages are insufficient integration of patient history and priors (69 %), and limited communication with clinicians (68 %). The majority expressed a positive opinion regarding the future of teleradiology (80 %) predicting a growing importance (46 %). Opportunities ought to be found in emergency reading services, flexible support of small practices and in collaborative platforms.

Conclusions

A wide usage of teleradiology throughout Europe is perceived; however usage of commercial services is relatively limited. Regarding cross-border services, there is a great demand for a focused Pan-European legislation, an adapted price regulation and a quality assurance framework.

Main Messages

• A wide variety of teleradiology applications exist in Europe

• Implementation mainly occurs in countries with a high concentration of networked PACS

• Usage of commercial teleradiology services in Europe is relatively limited

• Language is an unsolved issue and limiting factor for further deployment of services

• There is a demand for a Pan-European legislation, price regulation and quality assurance framework

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Title: European Teleradiology now and in the future: results of an online survey
Authors: E. R. Ranschaert
F. H. Barneveld Binkhuysen
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-012-0210-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

European Teleradiology now and in the future: results of an online survey

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Main Messages

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Main Messages

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