Pediatric Imaging Safety Campaign Gains International Momentum

A new alliance for pediatric imaging safety is gaining ground as it attracts international involvement.

The American College of Radiology (ACR; Restin, VA, USA) is a founding member of the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, the organization that launched the Image Gently campaign to reduce radiation dose used in pediatric imaging.

The campaign has had a positive impact on medical practice and is growing exponentially as it attracts national and international attention and participation. The Alliance has recently has grown to 23 organizations; became "international” with the addition of the Canadian Association of Radiologists and the Sociedad Latino Americana de Radiologia Pediatrica; was nominated for a U.S. National Quality Forum award; honored by a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives; facilitated a computed tomography (CT) vendor summit scheduled for August 2008, in Cincinnati, OH, USA; and received funding for a parent information brochure.

Since the campaign launch in January 2008, more than 1,300 imaging providers representing more than 1,000 facilities have taken the Image Gently pledge to reduce the radiation dose used in the performance of CT scans on children. The Image Gently web site has received nearly 55,000 visits. More than 5,700 providers have downloaded the helpful protocols that aid physicians and facilities determine the appropriate radiation techniques to use in the imaging of children.

Imaging providers are encouraged to visit the website and download the pediatric imaging protocols.


Related Links:
American College of Radiology
Image Gently