i-Violin: Guidance for optimization of oncological imaging

STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority is a partner in an EU-funded project called i-Violin (Implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimisation). The objective of the project is to optimise and harmonise oncological imaging procedures in Europe and ensure their broad adoption.

The main objectives of i-Violin project

  1. To implement a standardised way of optimisation in oncological imaging approaches in clinical practice by adapting and deploying tools for quantifiable image quality assessment as well as by validating commercially available software solutions for patient dose determination in imaging procedures, using the output of the MEDIRAD and other EC-funded projects.
  2. To implement such tools and the proposed optimised procedures in (university) hospitals throughout Europe that are members of the i-Violin consortium,
  3. To disseminate these tools and optimised procedures to interested hospitals and healthcare providers in Europe to contribute towards a harmonised and standardised oncological imaging approach.
  4. To provide a suitable education and training programme for radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists to be able to use the harmonisation tools.
  5. To disseminate the results to policymakers, the medical societies and other relevant stakeholders to foster uptake and implementation.

The work has been divided in 7 work packages (WPs):

  • WP 1: Project management and coordination
  • WP 2: Dissemination and communication
  • WP 3: Impact evaluation
  • WP 4: Adaptation of existing image quality evaluation tools and dose evaluation for CT imaging in cancer patients
  • WP 5: Clinical database implementation and data collection
  • WP 6: Optimisation of oncological imaging procedures (CT) based on protocols for selected clinical indications
  • WP 7: Education and training on image quality evaluation tools and corresponding optimisation

Funding

This project is co-funded under the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027 under grant agreement no. 101056832.

This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

STUKs role

STUK participates in WPs 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. They provide expertise on dosimetry and image quality measurements and support the organization of international education and training events. STUK has a major role in dissemination of results among other regulatory bodies for example through their channels as a member of HERCA (Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities).

Facts
Coordinator: European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR)
Number of Partners: 10 (from 9 countries)
Start Date: September 1, 2022
End Date: August 31, 2024
Total Funding: € 1,172,487.81