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The Practice of Ethics in the Era of Evidence-based Radiology¹

¹ From the Department of Radiology, Interventional Neuroradiology Section (J.R.) and Breast Imaging Section (I.T.), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Notre-Dame and St-Luc Hospitals, 1560 Sherbrooke East, Suite M8206, Montreal, QC, Canada, H2L 4M1. Received December 12, 2005; revision requested January 24, 2006; revision received February 13; final version accepted February 21. Address correspondence to J.R. (e-mail: dr_jean_raymond{at}hotmail.com).

Various methods to provide an ethical conscience in the modern practice of radiology are available, but they all require time and effort. Although this is part of a series dedicated to evidence-based radiology (EBR), this article cannot provide recommendations supported by evidence. However, the method we propose is inspired from the analytic process found in EBR. It emphasizes autonomous reflection; systematic identification of roles, motives, and consequences of current actions and organizations; clarification of aims and means; selection of principles and values; and equilibration, application, and validation. This personal process is followed by the search for common values shared by the group, in a rational, scientific context centered on preserving the patient-physician relationship. This method entails constant vigilance and repeated revisions, but the allowance of time to think about ethical matters can decrease confusion and moral perplexity. The result is a stronger moral personal identity and a brighter horizon for a satisfying professional life.

© RSNA, 2007

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