Download Address of the donor - British Institute of Radiology

17 May 2015
The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) Response to the Academy of Medical
Royal Colleges’ work programme and statement about “Choosing Wisely”
The BIR supports the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges work programme on the
“Choosing Wisely” initiative to encourage doctors to consider the value of
treatments and avoid “over medicalising” patients.
The BIR agrees that, for a range of reasons inappropriate clinical interventions are
made which are not evidence based and which do not help with patient
management or wellbeing. However, this may be due to caution by the clinician
and/or patient pressure to act and intervene. This can be overcome by education
and an honest discussion with the patient about the treatment options which
should include a ‘watch and wait’ policy where appropriate.
Education amongst imaging referrers is vital and begins with training in radiation
and radiation protection commencing at medical school to highlight the potential
harmful effects of radiation and the appropriate use of imaging investigations.
Within radiology and radiation oncology, there are robust systems, procedures
and checks in place to prevent patient receiving inappropriate tests. However, we
encourage continued education to safeguard against the requesting inappropriate
referrals.
Safeguards in place within imaging include:
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron - Her Majesty The Queen

President
Dr David Wilson
radiologist
MBBS BSc MFSEMjustifying
FRCP FRCR
The British Institute of Radiology
T : +44(0)20 3668 2220
48-50 St John Street
The
each
and every medical exposure
based
London
E : [email protected]
4DG
Chief Executive
patient’s
specific condition EC1M
using
a risk benefit strategy.
Ms Jacqueline Fowler
www.bir.org.uk
BA, MInstF(Cert)
Registered Charity
No. 215869
upon the
VAT Registration
No. GB 233 7553 63

Appropriate training for Radiologists and Nuclear Medicine Physicians
including IonisingRadiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) training
and Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC)
certification.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ionising-radiation-medicalexposure-regulations-2000

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/administration-of-radioactivesubstances-advisory-committee
The BIR calls for greater understanding and knowledge in this area and supports
the new EU Directive to increase the education of physicians throughout their
training in medical radiation issues.
Reference http://www.aomrc.org.uk/general-news/choosing-wisely.html
Ends
For information about this release please contact:
Carole Cross
Communications Manager
48-50 St John Street
London EC1M 4DG
Tel. 020 3668 2224
[email protected] www.bir.org.uk
Mobile 07963 200147 (out of office hours)
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Notes to Editors
About The British Institute of Radiology

The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is an independent multidisciplinary
organisation, and a registered charity, whose membership is open to
everyone with an interest in radiology and radiation oncology.

The British Institute of Radiology is the oldest radiological society in the
world.

We strive to ensure that the potential of image science and radiation
technology to prevent, detect and combat disease is fully realised. We
believe in the importance of research and education, and we promote
collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and understanding.

To help fulfil our aims, we undertake a wide range of activities, including
publishing, the organisation of scientific meetings and conferences and the
provision of library and information services.
Registered Charity No: 215869
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