EH 1_2016

A91CT-9465-A1-7600 | © Siemens Healthcare GmbH, 2016 Dual Source CT (DSCT) has expanded the potential of computed tomography – in both application range and information quality. This is achieved by facilitating optimum image quality even in the most challenging cases across all medical fields. An ability to generate diagnostic results regardless of a patient’s age, size, weight, physical condition, and even the surrounding circumstances directly translates into more informed decisions, and, therefore, into improved patient outcomes. Siemens Dual Source CT has redefined what CT can do – and helped to improve diagnostic confidence in healthcare institutions across the globe. Improved image quality without additional dose burden? Yes, DS. Increased system sensitivity and specificity? Yes, DS. Lower radiation doses and greatly reduced prep- time? Scan coverage and speed raised to new levels? All new protocols enabled and perfusion CT coming to daily clinical routine? Yes, yes, and yes, DS. From the precision needed in dynamic perfusion exams in oncology, to the strength and speed necessary for low-dose, whole-body CT without breath-hold. From total reliability in acute care cases, to excellent results and sound treatment support in cardiology and quantitative myocardial perfusion – Dual Source CT is the CT of choice across the disciplines. Excellent diagnostic imaging for all patients? Yes, DS. CT without compromises. siemens.com/YesDS Visit us at the ECR, Expo X5, Booth #12 3638_CT_Anzeige_YES DS_Stoerer_210x297.indd 1 09.02.16 12:57 www.healthcare-in-europe.com 31 EH @ ECR The beauty of radiology The trend in radiology is towards an increasing split into subspecialties such as interventional radiology, paediatric radiology or neuroradiology, which, with the growing complexity of this field, are becoming more independent of each other. Is the general radiologist a dying species? asks Professor Gerhard Mostbeck, Head of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the Wilhelminen Hospital, Vienna, in his lecture on the ‘The Beauty of Radiology’. Gerhard Mostbeck: ‘The general radi- ologist? I couldn’t find a concrete definition of this term. A general radi- ologist is obviously considered to be someone with no subspecialisation, i.e. someone who knows a little bit about everything. ‘However, when we look at person- alised medicine, such as the treatment of breast cancer, a clinical specialist needs a clinically experienced radi- ologist specialising in breast cancer to work with, someone who knows about all aspects of this complex sub- ject: from screening, mammography and ultrasound to the behaviour of tumours, biopsy and staging, evalua- tion of therapy response and process control. Specialisation is of utmost importance for successful treatment. ‘Unfortunately, though, the ques- tion as to whether we still need general radiologists cannot simply be answered with yes or no. Large uni- versity hospitals with 50 to 60 radiolo- gists have several specialists in each area. In smaller hospitals, with fewer radiologists, the specialists have to be “multi-specialists”. Not all specialties can be personally covered by one specialised radiologist throughout the entire day, during the night and over the weekends. ‘In my view, a general radiologist is someone who has had training and experience in all the basics such as ultrasound, CT and MRI. Building on this specialisation is then possible.’ ‘Pure subspecialisation is a form of organisation that works in large hospi- tals. In smaller hospitals general radio- logical skills are the basic require- ments needed to work there. ‘In our hospital we encourage the development of a second set of skills alongside the general expertise that is structured based on specific modali- ties. Our colleagues are urged to train in several subspecialties. We then obviously expect that they also will work in these areas. However, we must also ensure that a paediatric radi- ologist or neuroradiologist can diag- nose an accident victim on a Saturday night, for instance. ‘In rural regions, where it’s not pos- sible to have specialists in all subspe- cialties, teleradiology and teleconsulta- tion offer new opportunities to ensure patient care. Each radiologist – even in a very small hospital – should have access to teleconsultation and there- fore access to specialist knowledge. ‘Image data transfer for this type of exchange is already established in many areas. Only those patients need- ing interventional radiology, or the doctor, have to move location.’ Has radiology changed? ‘Yes, especially for radiologists in pri- vate practice. Single-handed radiol- ogy practices are dying out whilst larger institutions and group prac- tices are being set up to withstand economic pressures. Specialist and multi-specialist radiologists increas- ingly staff group practices. This trend will grow, although we do not yet have the “public private partnerships” in Austria as are found in Germany. However, political change is already evident and wanted. ‘In my view, one thing applies to both radiologists in private prac- tice and radiologists in the hospital: The trend towards subspecialists with knowledge of only one organ, as seen in the USA, is absurd outside the set- ting of radiological research. ‘My message: General radiology should be the basis of all specialisa- tion. The beauty of general radiology is that we gain an overview and are able to assess many different areas; a designated super-specialist who only knows about one subject can really only be functional in university set- tings.’ Professor Gerhard Mostbeck heads the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Wilhelminen Hospital, and the Institute for X-ray Diagnostics at the Otto-Wagner Hospital, Vienna. ECR 2016 Friday 4 March 8:30–10:00 am. Room E1 Radiology ten years from now: where will it be? 3638_CT_Anzeige_YES DS_Stoerer_210x297.indd 109.02.1612:57

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