Algerian radiologists, like all doctors around the world, use images to diagnose, treat and manage medical conditions and diseases. Clinical radiologists work as part of a close-knit team with radiographers. They also work closely with other physicians and staff from many medical specialties, and offer specialist expertise and advice.

This article presents useful information on the nature of the work of Algerian radiologists, common procedures / interventions, sub-specialties and other roles that may be of interest to you.

Nature of the work of Algerian radiologists

Imaging is at the heart of modern medicine and is an essential part of many treatments. The clinical radiologist plays an essential role in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of many conditions and their job is to solve problems, that is, to examine the anatomy, pathology, clinical history and previous imaging of the patient. patient. Choosing the appropriate diagnostic techniques and reducing radiation exposure are part of its role.

Multidisciplinary team meetings are part of daily patient care and many of them take place in the presence of a clinical radiologist. Their expert advice is highly valued and respected throughout the clinical environment.

Clinical radiologists use a variety of imaging techniques, including:

• X-rays
• ultrasound
• computer-assisted tomography (CT), including multi-slice scanning
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• positron emission tomography coupled with computed tomography or MRI (PET-CT or PET-MRI) - allowing to obtain improved 3D images
• fluoroscopy, which uses real-time x-ray imaging to show the internal structures of the body
• molecular imaging - CT perfusion, dual-energy CT, optical imaging
• nuclear medicine techniques

Common procedures / interventions of Algerian radiologists

In Algeria, clinical radiology has been at the forefront of minimally invasive techniques. It is known as interventional radiology and clinicians use guided procedures to diagnose and treat disease in almost all organ systems. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and CT scans are used to guide and direct a wide variety of interventional treatments throughout the body. These minimally invasive techniques reduce infection rates and have shorter recovery times. Interventions are often performed as day surgery, or may involve an overnight stay for the patient.

There are many intervention techniques:

• Esophageal stents - a small, flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus, using imaging to aid the process. This technique is used to treat blockages in the esophagus
• angioplasty - insertion of a balloon or stent to open a narrowed or blocked artery and allow blood to flow more freely
• angiography - x-ray of arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other problems
• bile drainage and stenting - inserting a stent to open up blocked ducts and allow bile to flow out of the liver
• needle biopsy
• treatment of internal bleeding by injection of a coagulant substance
• treatment of arteriovenous malformations - abnormalities of the blood vessels that can cause them to rupture. A substance is injected which blocks the blood supply to the affected blood vessels.

Sub-specialties of Algerian radiologists

The only recognized sub-specialty is interventional radiology.

However, there are various areas of particular interest within clinical radiology, including:

• the breast
• cardiac
• emergency
• gastrointestinal
• head and neck
• interventional
• musculoskeletal
• neuroradiology
• oncology
• pediatric
• radionuclide (imaging that uses a tiny amount of a radioactive chemical)
• thoracic
• urogynecological
• vascular

The evolving role of the radiologist in the health system

The traditional view of the radiologist as a physician who adds value to the health care system only by generating and interpreting diagnostic images is outdated. While advances in imaging technology, especially computed tomography and MRI, have expanded the diagnostic capabilities of the radiologist, the value of the radiologist has also extended beyond image interpretation. Advances in information technology may make the role of the radiologist more central to the overall functioning of the health care system, including providing more immediate clinical information, improving patient safety, and improving screening for cancer and disease. public health.

In order for radiologists to perform these roles effectively, they must have adequate training, time and resources. The introduction of performance-based pay in medicine represents an opportunity for radiologists to redefine their professional roles and possibly include these roles in their definition of the quality of care. Subsequently, performing these roles could be included in a pay-for-performance measure and provide a financial incentive for the investment of the time and effort required. Education on developments in patient safety, continuous quality improvement, cost containment and information technology could be added to resident training programs.

It is through these mechanisms that radiologists will continue to find new ways to add value to the health care system and maintain their clinical relevance.

Sources

Source 1: healthcareers.nhs.uk [external].

Source 2: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [external].