Value-based radiology: what is the ESR doing, and what should we do in the future?

Abstract

Value-based radiology (VBR) is rapidly gaining ground as a means of considering the input of radiology practice into individual and societal healthcare, and represents a welcome move away from older metrics focused on counting studies performed, without consideration of whether these studies contributed positively to patient management or to society as a whole. Intrinsic to the process of considering whether radiology activity confers value is recognising the breadth of involvement of radiology in healthcare delivery; previous ESR and multi-society publications have explored this, and have sought to highlight the many ways in which our specialty contributes to patient welfare. This paper is intended to highlight some current ESR activities which already contribute substantially to value creation and delivery, and to outline a selection of practical steps which could be taken by the ESR in the future to enhance value.Patient summaryValue-based radiology (VBR) is a conceptual means of looking at the benefits conferred on patients and on society as a whole by provision of radiology services, as opposed to older means of counting numbers of radiology studies performed, without consideration of whether or not those studies contributed overall value. VBR will become increasingly important in the future as a means of determining resources. The ESR has been a leader in advancing VBR concepts and educating radiologists about this novel way of looking at what we do. This paper is designed to highlight current ESR activities which contribute value to healthcare, and to consider other ways in which the ESR could potentially support value enhancement in the future.

The role of radiologist in the changing world of healthcare: a White Paper of the European Society of Radiology (ESR)

“…These, and many other contributions of value in healthcare by radiologists, are discussed in greater depth in a number of ESR publications exploring the growing value-based radiology movement [ 7 – 10 , 15 ].…”

“…As radiologists, we adapt to patient expectations of being able to engage directly with us to discuss their procedures and findings; the era of radiologists being “the doctors’ doctor”, remote from direct patient contact, is consigned to the past. Our work practices are adapted to increasing direct patient engagement, whether face to face or through our digital reports, which may be enhanced by tools to improve lay communication via patient portals [ 24 , 25 ]; meeting this growing expectation will enhance the lives of both patients and radiologists, and add significant value to the services we deliver [ 8 – 10 , 15 , 18 ].…”

Patient Centered Radiology – An Introduction in Form of a Narrative Review

“…The European Society of Radiology (ESR) in a recent position paper describes its approach to "value-based" radiology [6]. The topic is also active in the German Radiological Society (DRG) through a focus on content at the 103 rd German Congress of Radiology in 2022 under the motto "Living Diversity -Shaping the Future".…”

“…Die Europäische Röntgengesellschaft (ESR) beschreibt in einem aktuellen Positionspapier ihre Ansätze bezüglich der "Value-based Radiology" [6]. Auch in der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft (DRG) ist das Thema durch eine inhaltliche Fokussierung am 103.…”

Patient Comfort in Modern Computed Tomography: What Really Counts

“…In this context, the European Society of Radiology (ESR) has coined the term value-based radiology. By listing and discussing ideas, the ESR endeavors to define, evaluate, and enhance value in delivering radiology services to patients [ 1 ].…”