New multimodality imaging systems bring together anatomical and molecular information and require the competency and accreditation
of individuals from both radiology and nuclear medicine. This paper sets out the positions and aspirations of the European
Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) working together on an equal and constructive
basis for the future benefit of both specialties. ESR and EANM recognise the importance of coordinating working practices
for multimodality imaging systems and that undertaking the radiology and nuclear medicine components of imaging with hybrid
systems requires different skills. It is important to provide adequate and appropriate training in the two disciplines in
order to offer a proper service to the patient using hybrid systems. Training models are proposed with the overall objective
of providing opportunities for acquisition of special competency certification in multimodality imaging. Both organisations
plan to develop common procedural guidelines and recognise the importance of coordinating the purchasing and management of
hybrid systems to maximise the benefits to both specialties and to ensure appropriate reimbursement of these examinations.
European multimodality imaging research is operating in a highly competitive environment. The coming years will decide whether
European research in this area manages to defend its leading position or whether it falls behind research in other leading
economies. Since research teams in the member states are not always sufficiently interconnected, more European input is necessary
to create interdisciplinary bridges between research institutions in Europe and to stimulate excellence. ESR and EANM will
work with the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) to develop further research opportunities across
Europe. European Union grant-funding bodies should allocate funds to joint research initiatives that encompass clinical research
in diagnostic imaging in conjunction with research in mechanical and electronic engineering, informatics and biostatistics,
and epidemiology.
This paper is a result of working party negotiations of ESR and EANM delegations throughout the period from October 2005 to
February 2007. All authors contributed equally to the production of this paper. This paper was approved by the executive council
of the ESR, the general assembly of the European Association of Radiology (EAR), the executive committee of the EANM and the
executive committees of the UEMS sections of radiology and nuclear medicine. The document was presented at the EANM strategy
committee meeting held in London in February 2007. It was also presented at both the EANM advisory council meeting and the
EANM extraordinary delegates’ meeting that took place in Vienna in March 2007.
Authors are listed in alphabetical order. Authors on behalf of the ESR are: Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, Iain McCall, Maximilian
Reiser and Bruno Silberman. Authors on behalf of the EANM are: Angelika Bischof Delaloye, Ignasi Carrió, Alberto Cuocolo and
Wolfram Knapp.