Diagnostic Reading #31: Five “Must Read” Articles on Medical Imaging
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Ways for radiology to become more patient friendly is in the news.
This week’s articles in Diagnostic Reading include: how radiology practices can be more patient-centric; IR role changes during pandemic; world’s smallest imaging device; new advice on routine ICU X-rays; and imaging approach targets chronic pain.
How practices can become more patient-friendly – Diagnostic Imaging
As patients want more control of their own healthcare and—with the availability of technology and information—are becoming more educated, radiology practices have had to adjust their patient interaction methods to become more sensitive and empathetic to individual situations. While many practices have created programs to be understanding of and responsive to their patients’ wishes, there’s still more to be done. This article provides three ways radiology practices can become more patient-friendly. Read the guide on Incorporating Patients’ Values in Radiology.
Interventional radiology taking on a more prominent role in hospitals during the pandemic – Radiology Business
Interventional radiologists are assuming a more prominent role during the current pandemic and are stepping up to take on extra work in hospitals, stated experts in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. While much of the interventional radiology (IR) procedural volume typically has been delivered in the outpatient side, interventional radiologists pivoted to focus on inpatients during the pandemic.
World’s smallest imaging device focuses on heart disease – Healthcare-in-Europe
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and University of Stuttgart used 3D micro-printing to develop the world’s smallest, flexible scope for looking inside blood vessels, according to a study published in Light: Science & Applications. The team of researchers and clinicians was able to 3D print a tiny lens on to the end of an optical fiber, the thickness of a human hair. This camera-like imaging device can be inserted into blood vessels to provide high-quality 3D images, which could ultimately lead to improved treatment and prevention of heart disease.
Boston physicians advise peers to abandon routine daily chest X-rays in ICU – DOTmed HealthCare Business News
Two physicians are calling on their peers to abandon the practice of performing routine daily chest X-rays on patients in intensive care without a specific clinical reason, stating that while well-intended, this practice is outdated and does little to benefit patients. Reducing the use of these daily scans allows doctors to spend more time at patient bedsides and decreases the total amount of radiation exposure to a patient. The practice should not completely disappear and can be used for certain specific scenarios, such as monitoring catheters, they added.
New PET/MRI approach pinpoints chronic pain location – Axis Imaging News
A new molecular imaging approach utilizing 18F-FDG PET and MRI can precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain sufferers—often leading to a new management plan for patients—according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2020 Annual Meeting. “This clinical molecular imaging approach is addressing a tremendous unmet clinical need, and I am hopeful that this work will lay the groundwork for the birth of a new subspecialty in nuclear medicine and radiology,” said a researcher.
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