Disclosing Harm Associated with Pathological Analysis or Diagnostic Imaging: A Team-Based Approach
Patient Care
News
Addressing the Backlog for Medical Imaging in Canada
As the fall season ramps up, advocacy is top of mind for the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). With parliament returning to session, it is an ideal opportunity for the CAR to resume our efforts in improving access to medical imaging for Canadians. In the last couple of weeks, we have been successful in getting the message out to the public through media coverage. Dr. Ania Kielar, CAR Vice-President spoke to Global News and CFRA 580 Ottawa about the need for a federal investment of $1 billion in new medical imaging equipment and the development of a health human resources strategy that incorporates radiology. Read More
Helping to Ensure Quality Mammography Imaging in Canada
In light of the recent coverage in the media surrounding mammography quality, the CAR in collaboration with the Canadian Organization for Medical Physicists (COMP) published a position statement which references the CAR Mammography Accreditation standards for mammography imaging quality in Canada. The CAR recognizes that Canadian radiologists from coast to coast are committed to the highest standards of care and are distinguished as being world class clinicians. Read More
Highlights from the September 2022 Board Meeting
From September 22-24 the CAR Board of Directors gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia to discuss the upcoming priorities for the fall and to undertake the development of a new strategic plan for the next five years. Despite the challenges presented from Hurricane Fiona, the Board, with representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan (2), Ontario (2), Quebec (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia, the ACR and a resident representing the Resident and Fellow Section, weathered the storm and had a very productive discussion. The meeting kicked off with a presentation from Dr. Gilles Soulez, CAR President, summarizing the successes and highlights of the last several months. Read More
Summer Presidential Update – Your Membership Matters
With the warmer weather upon us, for many of our members the focus is on summer vacations. I hope that you have been able to get away from work to recharge your batteries. I would like to thank our members for their continued support and recognize the many radiologist leaders who have taken time out of their hectic schedules, even through prime vacation season, to support and lead initiatives that will have a significant impact on patient care in Canada. Read More
Revolving CT Care Around Patients – CAR’s CT Accreditation Program and the Niagara Health Engagement Network
“I feel heard,” says Catherine Bourque.
Bourque is a Patient Partner with the Niagara Health Engagement Network (NHEN), a group in the Niagara Health community who are patients and/or family members that have received care and want to be actively involved in improving local healthcare. The CAR is currently developing a national CT Accreditation Program, now in the pilot stage at Niagara Health in the Niagara region, the central focus of which is to listen to and incorporate the input of patients requiring CT services. Read More
Statement on Iodinated Contrast Media Shortage
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is aware of the global shortage of iodinated contrast media (ICM). The CAR has been monitoring the situation at a national level with both our radiologist members and industry partners. In addition, the CAR has met with Health Canada to gain a better understanding of its efforts to monitor and respond to the shortage, and we have made an outreach to the federal Minister of Health to request a coordinated national response and public statement on this issue.
The following statement provides updated information for the Canadian medical imaging community about Health Canada’s mechanisms to monitor the shortage, and the efforts of manufacturers to mitigate the risk to Canadian patients. Additionally, it summarizes risk mitigation strategies relevant to this and any future shortages of ICM. Read More
Improving Access to Medical Imaging for Northern Communities
To help improve equality in access to healthcare, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation will be providing funding for an innovative project focused on improving access to healthcare for remote communities. This was made possible through a donation of $1 million from TD Bank Group. Read More
Contrast Agent Use in Medical Imaging: A Roadmap for Patients
The CAR recently developed a contrast agent infographic to inform patients, families, and the public about types of contrast, common uses, and the patient experience with medical imaging that uses contrast. The infographic can be displayed by radiologists in their facilities across Canada and promoted online. It is a patient-facing document that addresses common patient concerns. This project was championed by CAR members Drs. Marco Essig (University of Manitoba) and Nick Schieda (University of Ottawa).
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CAR Issues New Position Statement on Gonadal and Fetal Shielding for X-ray
In response to member requests for formal guidance for radiologists, the CAR issued a position statement on the discontinuation of gonadal and fetal shielding for patients undergoing diagnostic X-ray examination. Routine shielding of patients remains common practice despite current scientific evidence that the practice provides negligible or no benefit and carries a substantial risk of increasing the patient’s radiation dose and compromising the diagnostic efficacy of imaging.
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Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines to Support Clinical Decision-Making by Referring Physicians in Canada – Progress Update
As previously announced, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) working in collaboration with national medical bodies and specialty societies is undertaking an update of the 13 Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines. The project mandate is to “Produce a comprehensive set of evidence-based diagnostic imaging referral guidelines as a public good that are context-specific to the Canadian healthcare system. These guidelines will be produced following the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) framework, with recommendations integrated into a clinical decision support (CDS) system.” The inaugural working group meeting took place in January 2021, where Trauma was selected as the pilot section for this new initiative.
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MAP is Going Digital
We are pleased to announce that the CAR Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) is going digital.
In spring 2021, the CAR will launch a new accreditation information system. With the new system, MAP-accredited facilities and associated personnel will provide all required information and documents exclusively online, including images. The new portal will also provide detailed guidance at each stage of the accreditation process. Questions and concerns about accreditation requirements can be addressed quickly and easily from within the portal. Read MoreIntroducing the CAR/CSTR Lung Cancer Screening Education and Accreditation Project
Today, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) in partnership with the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology (CSTR) is pleased to announce the initiation of a national project focused on the development of a new national lung cancer screening accreditation program and specialized education in CT lung cancer screening for radiologists. This project has been made possible through collaboration and financial support from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership).
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Working Together Towards Enhanced and Measured Patient Referrals
Mammography Accreditation During COVID-19 – Guidance on the Number of Reads
Letter from Dr. Nancy Wadden, Chair MAP Steering Committee
Earlier this month the CAR provided guidance to the Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) facilities regarding program requirements given that most facilities across the country have resumed their services following disruptions caused by the pandemic. In 2021, the CAR will review the volumes of facilities and radiologists based on the entire previous calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2020). Read More
Earlier this month the CAR provided guidance to the Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) facilities regarding program requirements given that most facilities across the country have resumed their services following disruptions caused by the pandemic. In 2021, the CAR will review the volumes of facilities and radiologists based on the entire previous calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2020). Read More
Patients are Waiting: Radiology is Ready to do its part
Re-starting the continuum of patient care – guidance for the resumption of radiology services
Read MoreCAR Board springs into Action – Radiology Taskforce set to respond to post pandemic scenarios
COVID-19: What radiologists are saying
Thanks for taking the time to complete our second survey on the response to COVID-19. The second survey that was sent on March 30th provides further insights into how hospitals, the health system and members are responding to the pandemic. Read More
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) and the Canadian Society on Thoracic Radiology (CSTR) Recommendations on COVID-19 Management in Imaging Departments
The purpose of these recommendations is to provide guidance and information to the radiology community regarding the safe conduct of imaging and image-guided intervention in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. For more information regarding image-guided procedures you can refer to specific guidelines issued by the CAIR and the CAR. Read More
The Role of Radiologists in COVID-19: Recommended Workflow in Diagnosis
By Dr. Michael Patlas MD, FRCP, FASER FCAR FSAR
These are difficult times for our healthcare system as a global pandemic sweeps the world. Reports of confirmed cases are on a steady incline and every day we are hearing more and more stories on impacted nations including our own. Radiologists have an important role to play in the diagnosis and assessment of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Read More