Terms of Reference - Radiology Working Group
Terms of Reference for the SNOMED International Radiology Working Group, from 3rd September 2026.
Purpose
The Radiology Working Group is a task and finish SNOMED International member led initiative assigned with the development of new content for the imaging procedure hierarchy (<<363679005|Imaging (procedure)|).
The requirements for this new imaging procedure content will be driven by the members of the group on behalf of their respective member country or stakeholder organization.
The main aim of the group is to develop new content to support the use of SNOMED CT and help improve interoperability across the community of practice.
Mission
The Radiology Working Group supports SNOMED International’s strategic goals through content development and quality assurance for the imaging procedure domain. The group also provides a place for members to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from each other.
The group aims to:
● Help SNOMED International gather input on imaging procedure best practices and current approaches.
● Provide a space to discuss imaging procedure priorities and implementation experiences.
● Identify high priority imaging content for addition to the international edition.
Scope
The Radiology Working Group’s work includes:
● Providing an international forum for sharing knowledge and experience.
● Offering practical advice on imaging procedure related content.
● Helping to identify, document, and disseminate best practices for imaging procedure related content.
● Encouraging knowledge-sharing and collaboration across Member Countries.
● Serving as a source of expert advice on imaging-related topics for both Members and SNOMED International.
● Supporting SNOMED International and the Community of Practice with advice on documentation, training, prioritization, implementation, and quality assurance for imaging procedure related content.
● Contributing to quality assurance of SNOMED CT by identifying areas where clinical content or modeling could be improved, including the submission of content requests informed by imaging procedure experience.
● Providing a transcultural and international perspective on the meanings and interpretations of imaging procedure concepts in SNOMED CT, helping to ensure that content is usable, clear, and appropriate across languages, cultures, and healthcare contexts.
Principles
● The Radiology Working Group operates in line with the SNOMED International Articles of Association and all relevant policies and procedures.
● All activities of the group should be open, fair, and transparent.
● Advice or guidance provided by the group should be based on authoritative SNOMED International materials or, when appropriate, reputable external sources.
● If no suitable or authoritative source exists for a particular topic, the group will raise the issue with SNOMED International so that suitable review and approval can be provided before any guidance is shared.
Participation
● Anyone in the SNOMED International community with an interest in imaging is welcome to join the Radiology Working Group.
● Participants should have (or be developing) an understanding of SNOMED CT and imaging work.
● Participants must declare any real or potential conflicts of interest.
○ The Chair will manage these.
○ If the Chair has a conflict, the Co-Chair or another neutral participant will step in.
Coordination and Leadership
● The Radiology Working Group is led by a Chair and a Co-Chair, who share responsibilities and support each other.
● The Co-Chair acts as Chair whenever needed or at the Chair’s request.
● Selection and renewal follow SNOMED International policies and procedures.
Communications
● Most communication happens remotely through teleconferences, webinars, and online discussions.
● Online discussions take place in SNOMED Forums, the SNOMED International collaborative/communications platform.
● Meeting agendas, minutes, and other documents are stored and shared through SNOMED Forums.
● All materials and updates are kept in the group’s designated areas so that information is easy for everyone to access.
● Teleconferences use Zoom audio and screen-sharing tools.
Meetings
● Meetings are open to all registered participants of the Radiology Working Group.
● The group meets regularly by Zoom teleconference at times proposed by the Chair and supported by members.
● Meeting schedules should take time zones into account and avoid conflicts with other SNOMED-related calls.