Resource allocation: what can engineering do for radiology?

Much of what is perceived to be progress in contemporary medicine, and in radiology in particular, is the result of technical push rather than clinical pull. The technologists devise new instruments at the limit of what is technically feasible and the doctors try them out and, if they think that they are useful they strive to diffuse them through the health care system. Remarkable developments have occurred in radiological technology during the past 40 years. Traditional X-ray imaging using photographic film now has to compete with radionuclide imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, digital radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. What used to be regarded as a soft option for the newly-qualified doctor is now perceived as one of the most challenging and exciting areas of modern medicine. Indeed, there seems to be no limit to the development of ever more advanced imaging instruments and opportunities for new clinical applications in screening, diagnosis, monitoring and intervention.