How to improve access to medical imaging in low- and middle-income countries ?

Abstract

Imaging has become key in the care pathway of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Yet, there are major shortages of imaging equipment and workforce in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The International Society of Radiology outlines a plan to upscale the role of imaging in the global health agenda and proposes a holistic approach for LMICs. A generic model for organising imaging services in LMICs via regional Centres of Reference is presented. The need to better exploit IT and the potential of artificial intelligence for imaging, also in the LMIC setting, is highlighted. To implement the proposed plan, involvement of professional and international organisations is considered crucial. The establishment of an International Commission on Medical Imaging under the umbrella of international organisations is suggested and collaboration with other diagnostic disciplines is encouraged to raise awareness of the importance to upscale diagnostics at large and to foster its integration into the care pathway globally.

An Africa point of view on quality and safety in imaging

“…In March 2021, the WHO updated and launched its guidelines on TB screening, scaling up the role of chest radiography and Computer-Assisted Detection (CAD) [ 29 ] globally, with Africa inclusive [ 30 , 31 ]. Such updated guidelines are evidence-based to catalyze quality and safety among partners.…”

“…Local conception and initiation are critical for sustenance of CoEs. The CoEs have been proposed as one way of improving access to imaging in LMICs [ 31 ].…”

The cultivation of supply side data science in medical imaging: an opportunity to define the future of global health

“…A recent review presented opportunities to improve cancer survival in lower income countries more than a factor of 10, in part through expansion of imaging access [25]. Accordingly, enabling lower cost hardware and investing in scalable data science solutions while improving the infrastructure to bolster them can expand our influence more efficiently and may be a key element to a more inclusive era of medicine [24,26].…”

Task shifting for point of care ultrasound in primary healthcare in low- and middle-income countries-a systematic review

“…4,10,11 Factors associated with limited availability and varying quality of diagnostic imaging in LMIC include the lack of or inadequate diagnostic imaging equipment, the lack of skilled human resources to operate and maintain equipment, and insufficient training capacity in diagnostic imaging. 4 Progress in technology has advanced the development of portable, easy to use and affordable point-ofcare ultrasound (POCUS) devices that allow imaging at the patient's bedside. 4,11 POCUS is a promising task shifting approach moving sonographic imaging from…”

“…4 Progress in technology has advanced the development of portable, easy to use and affordable point-ofcare ultrasound (POCUS) devices that allow imaging at the patient's bedside. 4,11 POCUS is a promising task shifting approach moving sonographic imaging from…”