IT Manager

EuroSafe Imaging is an initiative established and run by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) to promote quality, safety and best practice in medical imaging across Europe and internationally. Founded within the framework of the ESR, EuroSafe Imaging acts as a coordinated platform that brings together clinical radiologists, medical physicists, technologists, industry partners and health authorities to reduce unwarranted radiation exposure, improve appropriateness of imaging, and foster harmonized, evidence-based imaging protocols. The initiative emphasizes patient-centred imaging, radiation protection, education and research, positioning itself as a hub for guidance, tools and advocacy aimed at ensuring imaging procedures are safe, justified and optimized. Core activities: EuroSafe Imaging performs a range of interrelated activities focused on improving the safety and quality of diagnostic and interventional imaging. A central activity is the development and dissemination of practical guidance and resources on radiation protection and dose optimization, including recommendations for best practice in CT, interventional radiology and paediatric imaging. The initiative curates and publicizes clinical referral guidelines and appropriateness criteria intended to help referring clinicians and radiologists select the most suitable imaging modality for a given clinical question, thereby minimizing unnecessary exposures. EuroSafe Imaging also coordinates education and training programs—workshops, webinars, continuing medical education (CME) modules and conference sessions—targeted at radiologists, radiographers/technologists, medical physicists and multidisciplinary teams to raise awareness of radiation risks and to share techniques for dose reduction. Advocacy and collaboration: EuroSafe Imaging is active in advocacy and policy dialogue, engaging with European institutions, regulatory bodies and international organizations to promote stronger radiation protection frameworks and consistent standards. The initiative collaborates with partners such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), national radiation protection authorities and patient organizations to amplify its recommendations and integrate them into wider public health strategies. Through position papers, white papers and calls to action, EuroSafe Imaging seeks to influence clinical practice, regulatory policy and industry development toward safer imaging technologies and practices. Programs and services: One of the most visible EuroSafe Imaging programs is the “EuroSafe Imaging Stars” scheme, a recognition and networking initiative that identifies and supports imaging centres committed to radiation protection and quality improvement. Participating institutions undertake self-assessment and implement measures in areas such as dose monitoring, protocol optimization, staff training and patient communication. EuroSafe Imaging also produces and endorses practical toolkits and educational materials—checklists, protocol templates, paediatric dose guides, and patient information resources—designed to be directly usable in clinical settings. The initiative supports research and quality assurance activities, including audits and dose registries, which help institutions benchmark performance and demonstrate compliance with recommended practices. Technology and clinical impact: While not a commercial technology vendor, EuroSafe Imaging influences technology adoption and standards by articulating clinical and safety requirements that guide how imaging vendors and service providers design equipment, software (including dose-monitoring and clinical decision support tools) and workflows. The initiative’s emphasis on appropriateness and optimization encourages the development and deployment of clinical decision support systems (CDSS), structured reporting formats, automated dose-tracking solutions and advanced reconstruction techniques that reduce radiation dose. EuroSafe Imaging’s guidance is intended to be compatible with digital workflow tools used in modern radiology departments—integrating with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), radiology information systems (RIS), and dose-management platforms. Education, publications and outreach: EuroSafe Imaging maintains a comprehensive set of educational offerings and freely accessible publications aimed at different stakeholder groups. It organizes sessions and symposia at ESR annual meetings and other conferences, publishes recommendations and educational content (often in collaboration with ESR committees), and curates online resources that address practical clinical issues such as paediatric imaging, pregnancy and imaging safety, interventional procedure protocols, and contrast agent safety. The initiative uses outreach campaigns, social media and partnership networks to disseminate key messages about justification, optimization and patient information, helping to improve clinician and patient understanding of imaging risks and benefits. Governance and partnerships: As an ESR initiative, EuroSafe Imaging operates with the scientific and organizational backing of a major professional society for radiology in Europe. Its working groups and task forces draw on multidisciplinary expertise—clinical radiologists, pediatric radiologists, medical physicists, radiographers and representatives of patient groups—to develop pragmatic recommendations grounded in evidence and expert consensus. Collaboration with regulatory agencies, professional bodies and international organizations supports wider uptake of the initiative’s outputs and facilitates alignment of national policies with European-level best practice. Scope and influence: EuroSafe Imaging’s reach extends across clinical networks in Europe and beyond. Through the Stars network, endorsed guidance and educational programs, the initiative supports healthcare providers in meeting legal and professional obligations for radiation protection while promoting continuous quality improvement. Its outputs are used by imaging departments seeking to implement dose optimization strategies, comply with national and European regulations on medical exposures, and demonstrate patient-centred safety practices. In addition, EuroSafe Imaging’s advocacy contributes to shaping the research agenda and product development priorities in the medical imaging technology sector. In summary, EuroSafe Imaging functions as a non-commercial, professionally led initiative under the ESR focused on improving safety and quality in medical imaging. It accomplishes this through guidance development, education, advocacy, collaborative programs (such as the EuroSafe Imaging Stars scheme), and partnerships that influence clinical practice, policy and technology design with the overarching goal of protecting patients and optimizing the use of medical imaging.