The practice of emergency radiology throughout Europe: a survey from the European Society of Emergency Radiology on volume, staffing, equipment, and scheduling

Objectives To obtain information from radiology departments throughout Europe regarding the practice of emergency radiology
Methods A survey which comprised of 24 questions was developed and made available online. The questionnaire was sent to
1097 chairs of radiology departments throughout Europe using the ESR database. All data were collected and analyzed using
IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 20 (IBM).
Results A total of 1097 radiologistswere asked to participate, 109 responded to our survey. The response rate was 10%. Fromour
survey, 71.6% of the hospitals had more than 500 beds. Ninety-eight percent of hospitals have an active teaching affiliation. In
large trauma centers, emergency radiology was considered a dedicated section. Fifty-three percent of institutions have dedicated
emergency radiology sections. Less than 30% had all imaging modalities available. Seventy-nine percent of institutions have 24/
7 coverage by staff radiologists. Emergency radiologists interpret cross-sectional body imaging, US scans, and basic CT/MRI
neuroimaging in more than 50% of responding institutions. Cardiac imaging examinations/procedures are usually performed by
cardiologist in 53%of institutions, while non-cardiac vascular procedures are largely performed and interpreted by interventional
radiologists. Most people consider the European Diploma in Emergency Radiology an essential tool to advance the education and
the dissemination of information within the specialty of emergency radiology.
Conclusion Emergency radiologists have an active role in the emergencymedical team. Indeed, based upon our survey, they have
to interact with emergency physicians and surgeons in the management of critically ill patients. A broad skillset from ultrasonography
and basic neuroimaging is required.
Key Points
• At most major trauma centers in Europe, emergency imaging is currently performed by all radiologists in specific units who are
designated in the emergency department.
• Radiologists in the emergency section at present have a broad skillset, which includes cross-sectional body imaging, ultrasonography,
and basic neuroimaging of the brain and spine.
• A dedicated curriculum that certifies a subspecialty in emergency radiology with a diploma offered by the European Society of
Emergency Radiology demonstrates a great interest by the vast majority of the respondents.