Last month, we commenced accepting applications for the generic justification of new practices involving medical exposure to ionising radiation. Generic justification considers the overall potential for benefit, as well as the potential for harm of, a new practice. One example of this would be a new X-ray technology. We will compare the new practice with the existing current options, and take into account the amount of ionising radiation to which patients will be exposed to.
Generic justification is important for patient safety as it aims to safeguard the use of radiation across the healthcare sector. This is done by considering the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of a new type or class of practice before that practice can be generally adopted or used on a day-to-day basis for patients.
Hospitals and service providers in the public and private sectors who wish to offer a new practice using ionising radiation in Ireland must now apply to HIQA for generic justification before they can offer the practice on a routine basis.
HIQA’s Deputy Director of Health Technology Assessment, Dr Patricia Harrington said: “The commencement of HIQA’s role in generic justification is a key part of safeguarding patients undergoing medical exposures to ionising radiation. HIQA’s decisions will be guided by the evidence about the safety and effectiveness of practices compared with the available alternatives.”
We will be supported in this role by our Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation Expert Advisory Group (EAG). This group is made up of experts in ionising radiation from key professional bodies in Ireland, independent experts as well as representatives of patient organisations, regulatory authorities and key professional bodies.
Please see the HIQA website here for further information.