MADRID, 20 (EUROPA PRESS)
Vascular and interventional radiologists have lamented the "deficient" knowledge of family physicians about their specialty, which prevents many patients from having quick access to the procedures and interventions that vascular and interventional radiologists can perform.
In a survey conducted by the Spanish Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SERVEI), up to 76 percent of family physicians acknowledged their low level of knowledge on the subject, and many don't even know what interventions are performed within their specialty.
"Our specialties have evolved in parallel, but without many common ground, which has created a structural disconnect between levels of care. The root of the problem is that there are often no direct channels established between the two specialties, shared clinical spaces, or common training areas that facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration," stated Rebeca Pintado, interventional radiologist at the Río Hortega University Hospital in Valladolid and author of the survey.
He argued that this lack of organizational structure is what prevents a "fluid" relationship between the two specialties, reinforcing the aforementioned lack of knowledge among family physicians.
Dr. Pintado pointed out that, to address this lack of knowledge, it is "fundamental" to include content on vascular and interventional radiology in the Family Medicine MIR training program, as well as to add this content to continuing education programs.
"It's essential for family doctors to know from the beginning of their training what we do, in what clinical settings we can intervene, and what benefits we provide so they consider us as a referral option," he added.
Pintado also highlighted the need to create "real" collaborative spaces between both specialties, such as joint clinical sessions, interdisciplinary workshops, and shared training activities.
Likewise, the development and dissemination of shared care pathways and clinical protocols that include vascular and interventional radiology in various diagnostic and therapeutic processes has been considered "key."
"This would not only give us visibility, but would also facilitate appropriate referrals and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to patient care," he added, detailing that patients would benefit most by gaining "faster and more direct" access to certain procedures for vascular and musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain management, and other clinical situations.
While 90 percent of family physicians have admitted to never having referred a patient, up to 75 percent have expressed their willingness to make more referrals if they had more knowledge about the subject.
Similarly, they have complained about administrative obstacles and the impossibility of directly referring patients to vascular and interventional radiology units.
"Currently, many patients must see other specialists before reaching vascular and interventional radiology, which delays our interventions. This early access allows for timely action using minimally invasive techniques that are not only effective but also reduce the risk of complications, shorten recovery time, and significantly improve quality of life," Pintado concluded.
