REVIVE

The medical imaging and radiotherapy courses at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, and Fontys Paramedic University have received a RAAK public grant for the research project REVIVE – X-rays and Pregnant Women.

In order to arrive at a correct diagnosis, X-ray imaging is often indispensable. However, X-rays can have adverse side effects, such as an increased risk of cancer. The fact that children are particularly sensitive to this risk has been the subject of increased attention in recent years.

Anxiety Amongst Pregnant Women

The anxiety among pregnant women who are required to undergo radiological procedures is increasing because the effect on the unborn children are often not taken into consideration. This anxiety is further increased as a result of differences in practice between the hospitals and medical imaging and radiation experts that carry out the examinations.

In collaboration with the professional field, universities of applied sciences carried out a preliminary study in 2016-2017. This research revealed that often, medical imaging and radiation experts do not have sufficient up-to-date knowledge about the subject. Moreover, there is a demand for guidelines that supports them, both in carrying out the research and in communicating with the patient.

Purpose of the REVIVE Research Project

The REVIVE research project aims to serve the needs of medical imaging and radiaton experts so that they meet perfectly the priorities of the Bonn Call for Action drawn up by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Bonn Call for Action aims to promote coordinated work to address radiation protection issues in medicine.

With the REVIVE project, applicants focus on the development of:

• a practical guide for medical imaging and radiation experts with a focus on risk communication
• an e-learning module for the continuing vocational training of experts

National Implementation

The participation in the project of all universities of applied sciences that offer education programmes in medical imaging and radiation, as well as the involvement of the professional association of medical imaging and radiation experts, ensures that the project will deliver a widely supported end product that can be implemented on the national level. Pregnant women are also involved in the project through the participation of the Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen (AVAG in Dutch). With the support of the Netherlands National institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM, in Dutch), an important step will be taken in the field of risk communication regarding the effects of radiation on pregnant women.

Applicant(s)

InHolland University of Applied Sciences Haarlem – coordinator
Fontys Paramedical College
Hanze University Groningen
Dutch Association for Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy (NVMBR)
Amsterdam Academy of Obstetrics Groningen (AVAG)
Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM) (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)

Grant scheme

Regieorgaan SIA: RAAK-Public