The Image Wisely campaign has released its fifth radiation safety case, Imaging Wisely When Evaluating for Pulmonary Embolism, to assist radiologists, imaging technologists, and medical physicists with making decisions about dose monitoring and optimization. Developed in collaboration with the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Image Wisely materials are available as a series of free, online modules on the initiative’s website.

“During evaluation for a suspected pulmonary embolism using computed tomography (CT) and ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scans, it is important to consider the overall dose to the patient and their impacted organs,” said Erin Grady, MD, of Christiana Health System, who coauthored the case with Frederic Fahey of Boston Children’s Hospital. “This new case helps explain that.”

The Image Wisely campaign is a joint educational initiative of the ACR, the Radiological Society of North America, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists that aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and limit radiation exposure for those that are medically necessary. Six cases are presented throughout the year, with embedded questions that deliver expert feedback as well as references and resources for further study.

Radiologists, medical physicists, and other imaging practitioners who complete the materials can receive 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits; 0.5 MPCEC credits by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc.; and 0.5 Category A credits of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

“Radiation is an invaluable diagnostic resource, and attention to its appropriate use is paramount to patient safety,” said Donald Peck, PhD, director of the Image Wisely Radiation Safety Case series and member of the Image Wisely Executive Committee. “Imaging professionals are encouraged to complete these free radiation safety cases to reinforce their knowledge on these important topics.”

For more information, visit the Image Wisely website.