Transcript Quality Management in Diagnostic Imaging

Quality Management in
Diagnostic Imaging
Quality Control in Diagnostic
Imaging
V.G.Wimalasena
Principal
School of Radiography
Need for quality management in
Diagnostic imaging
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Diagnostic Imaging is a multi-step process by
which information concerning patient anatomy
and physiology is gathered and displayed with
the use of modern technology.
There are various sources of variability in both
human factors and equipment factors that can
produce subquality images if not properly
controlled.
…..Need for quality management in
Radiology
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Sub quality images can result in
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Decreased accuracy of image interpretation
Repeat exposures that
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Increase patient dose
Increase department cost
This in turn can result in,
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Decreased customer (physicians, patients,
employees…) satisfaction
Lost business & revenue
The purpose of a quality
management programme
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To Control or minimize the errors in following
variables as much as possible:
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Equipment
Image receptor
Processing
Viewing conditions
Competency of the technologist
Support staff
Interpreter
Levels of quality of patient care &
diagnostic images
Considered in 3 levels
1. Expected quality:
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The level expected by the customer . This may be
influenced by outside factors such as what he has heard
from the others. Imaging professionals have least impact
on this.
2. Perceived quality:
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The customer’s perception of the product or service. It is
highly subjective. How well the imaging professional
performs his respective responsibilities will have the
greatest impact on this.
Levels of quality of patient care &
diagnostic images
3.
Actual quality:
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This is the level of quality judged by using
statistical data and all factors that can influence
the;
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Quality of the image.
Accuracy of the diagnosis
Timeliness of report to the physician
It can compare the quality of the product or
service with that of competitor.
Quality assurance (QA) ?
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QA is an all-encompassing management programme used to
ensure excellence in healthcare through the systematic
collection and evaluation of data.
The primary objective is the enhancement of patient care.
This includes:
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Patient selection parameters and scheduling
Management techniques
Departmental policies & procedures
Technical effectiveness & efficiency
In-service education
Image interpretation & timeliness of reports
The main emphasis is on the human factors that can lead to
variations in quality care
Quality assessment?
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Refers to the measurement of the level of
quality at some point in time with no effort to
change or improve the level of care.
Quality Control (QC)?
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QC is the part of the QA programme that deals with
techniques used in monitoring and maintenance of
the technical elements of the systems that affect the
quality of the image.
It deals with instrumentation and equipment.
A QC programme includes three levels of testing:
1. Noninvasive and simple
2. Noninvasive and complex
3. Invasive and complex
QC testing levels
1. Noninvasive and simple – can be performed by
any technologist
2. Noninvasive and complex – require a
technologist specially trained in QC procedures
3. Invasive and complex – involves some
disassembly of the equipment and are performed
by engineers of physicists
Types of QC tests…
1. Acceptance testing :- is performed on new
equipment or equipment that has undergone
major repairs :
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To demonstrate that it is performing within the
manufacturer’s specifications and criteria.
To detect any defects that may exist.
To establish the baseline performance that may
be used as reference point in future testing
Types of QC tests…
2. Routine performance evaluations :– are
specific tests performed on the equipment in
use after a certain period of time;
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To verify that the equipment is performing within
previously accepted standards.
To diagnose any changes in performance before
becoming radiographically apparent.
Types of QC tests
3. Error correction tests:- are tests performed on
malfunctioning equipment;
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To evaluate the equipment
To verify the correct cause of the malfunction
so that proper repair can be made.
Continuous quality improvement
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This is the newest term used for the concept of
QA/Quality control programme .
It means that instead of just ensuring and maintaining
quality, it continually improves quality by focusing
on improving the system or process in which
individual workers function rather than on the
individuals themselves.
Every employee should be actively involved in CQI
for the programme to be successful.