Introduction
New multimodality imaging systems bring together anatomical and molecular information and require the competency and accreditation
of individuals from both nuclear medicine and radiology.
Aim
This paper sets out the positions and aspirations of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) and the European
Society of Radiology (ESR) working together on an equal and constructive basis for the future benefit of both specialties.
Discussion
EANM and ESR recognise the importance of coordinating working practices for multimodality imaging systems and that undertaking
the nuclear medicine and radiology 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. EANM and ESR will work with the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging
Research (EIBIR) to develop further research opportunities across Europe.
Recommendation
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.
Keywords Multimodality imaging system - European Association of Nuclear Medicine - European Society of Radiology - Research
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 EANM are: Angelika Bischof Delaloye, Ignasi Carrió, Alberto Cuocolo and Wolfram Knapp. Authors on behalf
of the ESR are: Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis, Iain McCall, Maximilian Reiser and Bruno Silberman. An editorial relating to this
paper is available at DOI:10.1007/s00259-007-0495-1.