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Evaluation and Optimization of Paediatric Imaging
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
E24020CRP
2063Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
21 November 2019Description
Paediatric patients comprise a critical group of patients in medical imaging because of their special requirements related to dose (increased radiosensitivity) and imaging (range of body sizes). Optimized paediatric imaging applying ionizing radiation depends not only on the application of established protocols, but also on the experience of the personnel and the suitability of the equipment. This leads to wide variations in image and dose characteristics between departments, which have to be investigated and optimized. Under the framework of this CRP, participants are expected to: (i) contribute to the coordinated research activities, which are designed to evaluate current practice and facilitate the development of optimization strategies for paediatric imaging; and (ii) propose individual research activities of local interest on the optimization of paediatric imaging. Through this CRP, the potential of the Member States to develop and implement state-of-the-art research and optimization strategies in paediatric imaging will be enhanced.
Objectives
The overall objective of this project is to enhance the capabilities of Member States to improve the efficiency of existing modalities for paediatric medical imaging, as well as to implement and enhance optimization techniques and methodologies for advanced paediatric medical imaging. The ultimate benefit of this CRP is to the large number of paediatric patients undergoing diagnostic procedures with ionizing radiation.
Specific objectives
To quantify, in terms of dose and image quality, the practices involving paediatric patient in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine.
To develop tools suitable for training or information for paediatric clinical practice.
To provide guidelines and assist Member States on the evaluation of paediatric practices and optimization methodologies.
To assess the impact of training on optimization with particular emphasis on typical delivered doses and administered activities, with respect to the DRLs.
Impact
The impact of the CRP relates to the practical aspects of optimization, which is an important part of the International Safety Standards.
Further to the direct impact to the participating institutes on improving their practices, the generation of practical tips for performing optimization has potential to improve the quality and quantity of paediatric imaging practices in all Member States.
Relevance
The CRP is of direct relevance to the work of the IAEA and specifically to the work of the NAHU-DMRP Section, as it covers medical physics aspects of paediatric imaging in both Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. It partially builds on the results of the previous and ongoing activities and publications and is strongly connected to the main programmatic activities of the Section, such as dosimetry, image quality evaluation, assessment of equipment performance, optimization, etc.