A survey on the current role of radiologists in the multidisciplinary team of inflammatory bowel disease in China

Abstract

Objective To review the current status and development of radiologists in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) working in a inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the general situation of the MDT in IBD in China, particularly about the composition of radiologists, the presentation form of MDT consulting images and the participating pattern of radiologists. Results A total of 28 domestic MDT centers of IBD participated in the survey, all of then were tertiary hospitals and 23(82.1%) were located in the eastern part of the country. Among them, 27 MDT expert groups had radiologists. In the MDT center with radiologist participation, there were 21(77.8%) were senior doctors with more than 10 years of working experience, and 26 radiologists specialized in gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging (13 for each, 48.1%). 22(81.5%) radiologists reviewed all the cases in advance, and 26(96.3%) radiologists participated deeply in MDT discussions to provide professional radiological diagnosis and recommendations. Conclusions In the healthcare mode of the new era, radiologists are playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IBD patients.

Keywords

• inflammatory bowel disease|multidisciplinary team|radiologist