The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has released a new version of its iRefer diagnostic imaging guidelines for referring clinicians.
Designed to help primary and secondary care clinicians choose the most appropriate imaging tests for patients, the eighth iteration of iRefer features more than 280 detailed, condition-specific guidelines for use by doctors, general practitioners (GPs), radiologists, physiotherapists, dentists, and other referring clinicians, according to the RCR. Along with updated rolling guidance, the new version includes over 20 new sets of imaging referral guidelines on topics such as male breast lumps, lung cancer screening, and individual health assessments for lung cancer, ovarian cysts, and fibroid disease.
The RCR has also added MyRefer, a new capability that allows users to create lists of guidelines most relevant to their practice. Other new features for iRefer8 include improved search functionality as well as key evidence and related guidance from the RCR, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and international radiology leaders. The RCR has also incorporated guidance on asymptomatic individuals.
More than 300 radiologists from across the U.K. contributed to developing iRefer8, which is available online via an annual subscription and in print.
"Using iRefer guidelines to ensure best practice gives clinicians the potential to diagnose earlier, reduce unnecessary testing, and streamline referrals; giving patients better, quicker diagnoses with less associated stress and diagnostic radiation risk," RCR President Dr. Nicola Strickland said in a statement.
The RCR is also collaborating with clinical decision support (CDS) firm MedCurrent to create a CDS interface for iRefer8. Designed to work with hospital electronic patient record and GP requesting systems, iRefer8 will be piloted at GP surgeries and hospitals sites in the U.K., as well as overseas, according to the RCR.
The college said it will also make iRefer8 available as Android and iOS apps later this year.
