Abstract

Lawrence Lau
Department of Radiology, Vaucluse Hospital, International Radiology Quality Network, Australia

There is an increasing interest in the quality in radiology in recent years due to public awareness, concern with patient safety, malpractice indemnity cost and demand by payers on value and sustainability.

This paper firstly defines what quality in radiology is followed by a discussion on the drivers for quality and the role of the stakeholders. Quality in radiology may be defined as a timely access to and delivery of an integrated and appropriate radiological studies and interventions in a safe and responsive facility and a prompt delivery of accurately interpreted reports by capable personnel in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner. Quality progresses from quality control, quality assurance to quality improvement.

The second part of the paper deals with the range of quality systems currently in place, covering individuals (e.g. certification, revalidation, CPD etc.); practices (e.g. quality mapping, practice accreditation programs etc.) national and international programs (e.g. appropriate utilization, national system-based quality improvement initiatives, international standards etc.). Quality systems are recognised as effective risk control measures.

Quality efforts are expensive in the short and medium term, especially if uncoordinated. However, they are inevitable and indispensable in the long term, forming an integral part of professionalism and risk minimization. It is useful for the profession to recognise the link between quality, economics and system sustainability. The long term objectives would be defined. Key stakeholders would be identified and engaged to collaborate and to develop an integrated work plan. A multi-faceted approach would be adopted to promote quality and safety in practice.

Finally, the role of profession organizations in promoting quality in radiology is discussed including the facilitating role of the International Radiology Quality Network. The paper concludes that quality is a continuum and quality improvement is perpetual. This on-going improvement process is applicable to all programs and quality systems.