.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Education and training in low-dose CT lung cancer screening across Europe: a survey study
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
R
P
R
D
G
L
A
J
T
H
DOI：10.1186/s13244-026-02362-w.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
To explore the status of low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LCS) training practices, identify existing gaps, and define key competencies to be included in LCS educational curricula. As part of the European SOLACE project, a structured cross-sectional survey consisting of 11 closed- and open-ended items, developed based on relevant literature, international guidelines, and expert input to assess LCS current practices and training needs, was administered to a panel of European LCS experts. Participants were invited to individual Zoom interviews (May–November 2025). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Twenty-five LCS experts were interviewed from 14 European countries, including 10 radiologists (40%), 8 pulmonologists (32%), 4 thoracic surgeons (16%), 1 project manager (4%), 1 smoking cessation specialist (4%), and 1 general practitioner (GP) (4%). Reported training activities ranged from established programmes (4/14 countries), to learning initiatives (6/14) and/or planned programmes (4/14). Radiologists (96%), pulmonologists (80%), and GPs (60%) were identified as the main target groups for training. On a 6-point Likert scale (0 = not important, 5 = extremely important), experts indicated limited awareness of training needs as the most relevant gap (mean 2.8 ± 2.2). Key educational areas to be strengthened included management of incidental findings (4.5 ± 0.6) and confident use of guidelines for nodule management (3.8 ± 1.8). Among essential competencies for professionals involved in LCS, the highest-rated were competence in managing incidental findings (4.7 ± 0.6), familiarity with guideline-based nodule management (4.7 ± 0.6), basic knowledge of AI tools (4.5 ± 0.8), and communication with LCS participants (4.5 ± 1.1). The findings suggest a heterogeneous LCS training landscape across European countries and underscore the importance of developing shared European curricula. Key priorities may include strengthening technical skills alongside structured communication training.
Keywords:
Education
Lung cancer screening
SOLACE
Training
Journal
IF:
4.5
Papers:
1.8K
Citations:
7.5K
Organization
Cited Papers