[Community medicine and diagnostic radiology]

Abstract

The main topics of community medicine are widespread diseases, quality of life and the efficiency of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under out-patient conditions. Among its allied disciplines, diagnostic radiology is of some importance. Studies in community medicine take advantage of diagnostic imaging in all stages of their development. Many fields of radiologic activity (bone absorptiometry, mammography, vascular and chest radiology) have been examined by community medicine researchers. A similar evaluation of differential indications for cross-sectional imaging and teleradiology is still to be expected. In order to increase the research on interrelations between the two disciplines, radiologists have to set foot on new grounds of scientific methods (decision trees, models, cost-efficiency analysis). In this way, the mechanisms that control the transfer of research into the so-called good radiological practice can be clarified.