Why the study?
Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance is established in guidelines, its utilisation remains inconsistent across Europe and beyond.
Population
283 respondents from 46 ESC member and affiliate countries
Design
Sequential exploratory mixed methods study
Key result
Among 283 respondents across 46 countries, main barriers to CMR delivery were inadequate reimbursement (46%), insufficient training (38%), and limited scanner capacity (29%).
Authors
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Barriers limit equitable CMR access across Europe; leaves open whether targeted reimbursement and training reforms will increase utilization.
Cross-Sectional (n=283)
Yes
Absolute Event Rate: 56% vs 14%
p-value: p=<0.001
Despite being established in guidelines, CMR utilization across Europe is significantly hindered by inadequate reimbursement, insufficient training, and limited scanner capacity, requiring targeted investments and standardized education.
This study, published in an ESC journal, provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges in accessing cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging across Europe. The findings are important for health policy discussions and efforts to improve cardiac imaging availability.
Androulakis et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) practice (n=283). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) practice was evaluated on Training deficits as a barrier to CMR (p=<0.001). Among 283 respondents across 46 countries, main barriers to CMR delivery were inadequate reimbursement (46%), insufficient training (38%), and limited scanner capacity (29%).