Radiology and sustainable development
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-01-2016-0005 |
| Pages | 89-99 |
| Published date | 04 April 2016 |
| Date | 04 April 2016 |
| Author | Naglaa Mostafa Elsayed Abdallah |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Radiology and
sustainable development
Naglaa Mostafa Elsayed Abdallah
Diagnostic Radiology Department,
Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia and
Diagnostic Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University,
Cairo, Egypt
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to highlight the relation between radiology and sustainable
development with emphasis on the UK and European countries, and to spotlight its possible
application in the developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach –This is a review paper where data about sustainable
development and radiology are collected from selected journals, websites, articles and conferences,
e.g. Royal College of Radiology, European Society of Radiology, World Health Organization and other
different radiology societies.
Findings –Adoption of sustainable diagnostic radiology by many countries in Europe and the UK
helps to provide imaging services efficiently and effectively, with simultaneous preservation of the
natural resources, patient health and environment much better than before. The developing and
underdeveloped countries should follow this knowledge hoping to reach the same goals.
Practical implications –Limiting the use of radiologic examinations, guide the clinicians to use
clinical skills before rushing to radiology examinations will save money, preserve equipment and
protect patients from possible radiation hazards. The use of teleradiology will indirectly reduce global
warming, and will deliver medical services to poor countries.
Social implications –Improving the health of people of poor countries will improve their
socioeconomic level.
Originality/value –This paper focuses on the value of applying sustainable development in
radiology not only in general medicine.
Keywords Sustainable development, Developing countries, Europe, Radiation hazards,
Radiology, Teleradiology
Paper type General review
Introduction
This is a review paper covering the following points: short note about sustainable
development, overview of radiology as an important branch of medicine, the relation of
radiology to the society, economics and environment, then we try to find a relatio n
between radiology and sustainable development with some examples from Europe and
how it has been applied in the UK. Then we move into a major problem in radiology
that may affect the human health, society and environment which is the overuse of
radiologic diagnostic tests, and suggested solutions for this problem. The last part of
the paper covers sustainable diagnostic radiology in the developing countries, and how
it could be provided including teleradiology with its advantages and disadvantages.
Methodology
Data about sustainable development and radiology are collected from selected journals,
articles, conferences and websites, e.g. Royal College of Radiology (RCR), European Society
of Radiology, World Health Organization (WHO), and other different radiology societies.
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 13 No. 2, 2016
pp. 89-99
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
2042-5945
DOI10.1108/WJSTSD-01-2016-0005
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
89
Radiology and
sustainable
development
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