Various technologies and methods using radiation, play a significant role in all aspects of cancer care. The use is diverse and spans from early detection and diagnostics to treatment and palliative care. However, because of the harmful effects radiation can cause, the increasing use and hence increased radiation exposure among the European population has raised concerns.

SAMIRA Action Plan

SAMIRA-PrISMA comes from the EU's SAMIRA action plan, which supports the safe, high-quality, and reliable use of radiological and nuclear technology in healthcare. PrISMA aims to explore the utility of and pave the way for a future Joint Action on the quality and safety of medical applications of ionising radiation. 

The PrISMA project has 2 key objectives:
•    to map the relevant actors in Member States and conduct network activities to promote future initiatives;
•    to jointly produce a proposal for a future Joint Action in the area of quality and safety of medical applications of ionising radiation, including objectives, scope and activities. 

Future Joint Action

We are building a broad network of relevant stakeholders who will collaborate to set the goals, scope, and activities of the upcoming Joint Action. Ultimately, the successful implementation of PrISMA and the future Joint Action will result in a sustainable, high-quality, and safe use of medical ionising radiation for the benefit of European citizens.
The specific and necessary measures to achieve these improvements in quality and safety of medical use of ionising radiation are primarily established in the legislative framework for radiation safety (Directive 2013/59/Euratom). However, the actual implementation must include health authorities and their legislation (including EU European Union (European Union ) regulations on medical devices, radiopharmaceuticals, and health technology assessment), health institutions, scientific societies and professional bodies, patient organisations and other interested parties. Key areas for improvement are those regarding sustainably translating the regulatory framework to medical practice.

Consortium

The multidisciplinary consortium of PrISMA represents 18 organisations from 11 Member States and Norway. Geographically, there is coverage from Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern European countries. Most countries are represented primarily by government agencies, ministries, departments of (public) health or radiation protection. Some countries have included health care institutions and or their drug agencies, and national societies. A list of all consortium members is available.

RIVM role

RIVM is the coordinating body in the PrISMA project. Colleagues involved are Charlotte Rosenbaum, Leontine Boudewijns-Schoonderbeek and Reini Knopper.

Funding

This project has received co-funding from the European Commission, EU4Health Programme 2021-2027, under grant agreement No. 101162826. 

 Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union of the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.