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Received 22 January 2012; accepted 24 January 2012.
ABSTRACT
Radiology is a relatively high-cost and high-maintenance aspect of medicine. Expertise is constantly required, from acquisition to its use and quality assurance programmes. However, it is an integral part of healthcare practice, from disease diagnosis, surveillance and prevention to treatment monitoring. It is alarming that two thirds of the world is deficient in or lacks even basic diagnostic imaging. Developing and underdeveloped countries need help in improving medical imaging. Help is coming from various organisations, which are extending hands-on teaching and imparting knowledge, as well as training trainers to increase the pool of skilled practitioners in the use of imaging equipment and other aspects of radiology services. The scene for social radiology is changing and set to positively impact the world in the (near) future. © 2012 Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Radiology services, diagnostic imaging, social radiology, radiation protection and safety, outreach programmes, developing countries.
SOCIAL RADIOLOGY: WHERE TO NOW?
The word "social" here refers to organised efforts to advance human welfare, normally directed or designed to help the poor, aged, or young. In war-torn countries or countries afflicted with calamities such as disease epidemics, earthquakes, tsunamis or drought, the first thing that springs to mind is medical aid. Medical aid organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) are well known for efforts to deliver emergency aid in many such countries. Such work of course comes with great risks, especially in politically unstable countries or in a war [1].
Radiology today includes diagnostic imaging, image-guided intervention, and monitoring treatment response. It comes at a relatively high cost and is resource-hungry, requiring infrastructure as well as expertise in its use, from purchasing to maintenance and quality control. It is no longer the exclusive domain of radiologists, but of trained practitioners skilled in its use for maximal impact on healthcare. When it entails ionising radiation, there are additional issues of radiation protection and safety [2].
There are many resource-limited areas where healthcare...