Pilot study: introducing a quality assurance process for a team-centered approach involving nonphysician providers in radiology

Ania Z Kielar; Heather Ritchie; Matthew D McInnes; Joseph O'Sullivan

doi:10.1016/j.carj.2014.09.002

Pilot study: introducing a quality assurance process for a team-centered approach involving nonphysician providers in radiology

Can Assoc Radiol J. 2015 Feb;66(1):86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.carj.2014.09.002.

Authors

Ania Z Kielar¹, Heather Ritchie², Matthew D McInnes³, Joseph O'Sullivan²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: aniakielar@gmail.com.
² Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
³ Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

PMID: 25623012
DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2014.09.002

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to introduce 3 new quality initiatives in radiology that engage various members of the department including radiologists, residents, technologists, and booking clerks. These pilot programs provide work-related learning opportunities in semiautomated, easy-to-use, email-based, standardized forms that are used to identify cases where imaging could have been performed in a more optimal way (either due to technical reasons or a different protocol could have been chosen). In the case of the Kudos quality initiative program (QUIP), this is used to provide positive feedback to an individual in the department for a job well done.

Methods: Since inception in January 2012 to September 2013, we reviewed Technical QUIPs, protocols under questions (PUQ), and Kudos QUIPs. These were collated through receipt of standardized emails for each category.

Results: A total of 62 Kudos QUIPs, 8 Technical QUIPs, and 58 PUQs were received in the abdominal and pelvic imaging division since inception.

Conclusions: Though still a relatively new pilot programs, PUQs and Technical QUIPs have afforded technologists and booking clerks opportunities to become engaged in improving patient care as well as learning from their own performance gaps. Future standardization of received data for each modality still needs to be established as well as an action plan to implement long-term changes.

Keywords: Engagement; Error; Imaging protocols; Quality initiative program.

MeSH terms

Administrative Personnel
Electronic Mail
Feedback, Psychological*
Humans
Knowledge of Results, Psychological
Patient Care Team / standards*
Pilot Projects
Quality Assurance, Health Care*
Radiology / organization & administration*
Radiology / standards*
Reward
Technology, Radiologic