Survey of radiological optimization processes in Swedish hospitals—similarities and differences between different modalities

The optimization process is an important part of image-based diagnostics and treatments, requiring collaboration among medical physicists, radiologists, physicians, radiographers, nurses, engineers, and vendors. However, such teamwork can be challenging in some departments. In spring 2024, questionnaires were sent to Swedish medical physicists working with radiology, interventional radiology, or surgery facilities using radiological equipment. The surveys included modality-specific questions about optimization processes. The aim was to explore differences in optimization processes between modalities and departments, identify common challenges, and understand factors facilitating effective optimization. Results showed variations in optimization processes across different modalities, where successful optimization processes were harder to achieve for stationary fluoroscopy systems and mobile fluoroscopy systems than for the other modalities. Common challenges included limited time and lack of knowledge about image quality issues, while close collaboration, continuous meetings with focus on optimization, and good communication were mentioned as important factors for obtaining successful optimization processes.