Patient communication, confidentiality and consent: radiology policy and practice in Europe. A survey by the European Society of Radiology

The data collected in this article were gathered from various practising radiology departments around Europe. The focus is communication and confidentiality between patient and radiologist, specifically the ramifications of PACS and other electronic systems for the confidentiality of patient information. The differences and similarities in practice across Europe are explored. Main Messages Monitoring of access to confidential patient imaging information does not appear to have kept pace with electronic image storage systems. Europe lacks a unified approach to define clear guidelines for patient confidentiality and guidance on what constitutes invasion of patient privacy. Specific training in communication is not routinely incorporated into radiology training schemes.