Sometimes it seems as though medical imaging is merely an order followed by a report, while in reality, there is a patient in between, often experiencing significant anxiety.

From my own experience, as well as that of my family members, I know how stressful medical imaging can be. Over the past decades, I have witnessed the rapid digitalization of healthcare. Combined with the increasing workload in our profession, this has gradually distanced us, as healthcare providers, from our patients. I view this as a regrettable development, not only because it negatively impacts patients, but also because patient contact is an essential source of professional fulfillment for me as a physician.

Scanxiety has a profound negative impact on patients. The fear experienced before, during, and after a scan is draining and may even lead to patients postponing or avoiding timely imaging, for example in the context of population screening programs.

My goal is that every patient should be able to undergo imaging without fear!

These concerns have motivated me to initiate the STOPscanxiety project, which combines clinical expertise, educational innovation and patient advocacy.

It starts with raising both clinical and societal awareness for scanxiety. In medical education, we aim to ensure that future healthcare providers are trained to understand the patient perspective and to recognize scanxiety. At the same time, we are gathering scientific evidence on scanxiety and identifying the most effective measures to reduce it.

Compassionate care and an optimal patient experience during imaging will not only benefit patients. I am convinced that it will also improve job satisfaction among imaging professionals.