A new report from the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical, and Healthcare IT Industry (COCIR) makes the case that obsolescent imaging technology is undermining efforts to enhance patient safety.
Released on 8 November to coincide with the International Day of Radiology (IDoR), the 2016 COCIR Medical Imaging Equipment Age Profile and Density report shows the installed base of medical imaging equipment is now older than ever before and the overall equipment density in Western Europe is declining, COCIR said.
Noting that the benefits of medical imaging technologies to society should be celebrated on the IDoR, COCIR Secretary General Nicole Denjoy said it's disappointing to report the age profile of the installed base of medical imaging equipment in Europe continues to deteriorate.
"There are now more than 3,000 scanners in Europe so old that patients and healthcare professionals can no longer benefit from technological advances that reduce required radiation dose," Denjoy said in a statement. "Our members are continuously innovating and advancing their imaging technology to minimize patient exposure to radiation; it is part of a shared commitment to enhancing safety. Industry is making its contribution to this commitment -- other stakeholders need to make theirs."
Specifically, COCIR is calling upon national and regional governments and European Union (EU) policymakers to support the replacement of obsolescent equipment.
"Cost should not be a barrier; using cohesion policy funding to ensure investment and the European Fund for Strategic Investments for adopting and diffusing managed services can make equipment renewal affordable," she said.
