An interagency working group established by the U.S. National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has identified six goals to guide federal medical imaging research activities.
The Interagency Working Group on Medical Imaging (IWGMI) was founded in 2015 by the NSTC to coordinate federal investments in medical imaging research and to develop a road map for R&D in medical imaging. In a December 22 blog post, the group shared its six objectives for generating better value for patients from medical imaging and for optimizing healthcare outcomes and costs:
- Standardize image acquisition and storage.
- Apply big-data and data-science concepts to medical imaging.
- Get to diagnosis more quickly and cost-effectively.
- Make imaging more accessible.
- Promulgate improved imaging practices.
- Improve translation of new imaging technologies.
The IWGMI is co-chaired by Dr. Roderic Pettigrew, PhD, director of the U.S. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and Richard Cavanagh, PhD, director of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's Special Programs Office.
The IWGMI said it will now develop recommended approaches over the coming months for achieving these objectives, as well as a road map for federal R&D related to medical imaging. That road map will serve as a guide for high-value medical imaging that can improve health outcomes and healthcare spending, according to the group.
