Remote MR scanning – A solution for shortage of skilled radiographers

Abstract

Rapid medical and technological developments in radiology and demographic changes are leading to a rise in demand for MR examinations. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to double between 2000 and 2050 [ [1] WHO: Number of people over 60 years set to double by 2050; major societal changes required [Internet]. [zitiert 25. Mai 2023]. Verfügbar unter: https://www.who.int/news/item/30-09-2015-who-number-of-people-over-60-years-set-to-double-by-2050-major-societal-changes-required. Google Scholar ]. The proportion of elderly people in society is increasing worldwide; sub-Saharan Africa is the only place where 43% of the population is younger than 15 [ [2] Population ages 65 and above, total | Data [Internet]. [zitiert 31. Januar 2023]. Verfügbar unter: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO. Google Scholar ]. The high number of elderly people and the clinical benefit of radiological imaging procedures mean that the number of examinations is rising both rapidly and constantly. At the same time, life expectancy is steadily rising, which means even more demand on radiology services. According to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), between 2009 and 2019, the number of MR exams in the United States increased by one-third while in Australia, the number of MR examinations more than doubled [ [3] OECD. Health at a Glance 2021: OECD Indicators [Internet]. OECD; 2021 [zitiert 27. März 2023]. (Health at a Glance). Verfügbar unter: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/health-at-a-glance-2021_ae3016b9-en. Google Scholar ]. Between 2007 and 2018, the number of MR studies in German hospitals increased by 80%, while worldwide more than 95 million MR examinations are performed each year [ [4] Health care use - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams - OECD Data [Internet]. theOECD. [zitiert 25. Mai 2023]. Verfügbar unter: http://data.oecd.org/healthcare/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-exams.htm. Google Scholar ].