Quality and Safety in Imaging

This book provides a roadmap for optimizing quality and safety within radiology practices, whether academic or private and irrespective of their national setting. All aspects of the radiology workflow are addressed, from imaging appropriateness, examination scheduling, and patient preparation through to imaging protocol optimization (including radiation dose management), modality operations, reporting (including structured reporting), and report communication. The book highlights innovative IT tools, including clinical decision support, that drive compliance with national best practice standards and guidelines. The use of big data tools to manage and enhance clinical delivery is addressed. Finally, metrics designed to measure the value that radiology brings to patient care and patient outcomes are introduced. Readers wishing to deepen their understanding of contemporary best practices regarding quality and safety will find this book to be a rich source of practical information.

Part I: Introduction

1) Framing the issues

Part II: Imaging Appropriateness:

2) Guideline development

3) Clinical Decision Support Tools for Order Entry

Part III: Imaging Protocols:

4) Informed Use of Medical Radiation in Diagnostic Imaging

5) Approach to CT Dose Optimization: Role of Registries and Benchmarking

Part IV: Modality Operations:

6) Clinical Audit

7) Quality Metrics: Definition, Creation, Presentation, and Use

Part V: Reporting:

8) Reporting: Recommendations/Guidelines

9) Structured Reporting: The Value Concept for Radiologists

10) Clinical Decision Support at the Radiologist Point of Care

11) Report Communication Standards

12) Image Interpretation

13) Transforming from Radiologist Peer Review Audits to Peer Learning and Improvement Approaches

Part VI: Technology’s value during a time of health spending cuts

14) IT Innovation and Big Data

15) Healthcare Technology Assessment of Medical Imaging Technology