Promoting quality and safety research is now essential for radiology as reimbursement
is increasingly tied to measures of quality, patient safety, efficiency, and appropriateness
of imaging. This article provides an overview of key features necessary to promote
successful quality improvement efforts in radiology. Emphasis is given to current
trends and future opportunities for directing research. Establishing and maintaining
a culture of safety is paramount to organizations wishing to improve patient care.
The correct culture must be in place to support quality initiatives and create accountability
for patient care. Focused educational curricula are necessary to teach quality and
safety-related skills and behaviors to trainees, staff members, and physicians. The
increasingly complex healthcare landscape requires that organizations build effective
data infrastructures to support quality and safety research. Incident reporting systems
designed specifically for medical imaging will benefit quality improvement initiatives
by identifying and learning from system errors, enhancing knowledge about safety,
and creating safer systems through the implementation of standardized practices and
standards. Finally, validated performance measures must be developed to accurately
reflect the value of the care we provide for our patients and referring providers.
Common metrics used in radiology are reviewed with focus on current and future opportunities
for investigation.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: November 29, 2016
Accepted:
July 19,
2016
Received in revised form:
July 19,
2016
Received:
May 29,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
