Timothy J. Blackburn PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) Describe quality measures in radiological imaging. 2) List regulatory, advisory and accediting bodies monitoring quality performance. 3) Identify the increasing role of the radiologic technologist in quality initiatives.

Improvement of image quality is an ongoing process within any radiology department. A quality assurance triangle is often used to describe the contributions from the technologist, radiologist and medical physicist. Alone each member of the quality improvement team is not as effective as the collective whole. The radiologic technologist plays a key role in this synergistic process. Preventative maintenance and equipment evaluations may be performed annually but the technologist utilizes the equipment on a daily basis. The technologist is typically the first person to visualize a change in equipment performance. It is imperative that any such changes are reported to ensure quality imaging. Regulatory and accrediting agencies are placing an increased significance on quality improvement initiatives. Improved outcomes will require more active participation of the radiologic technologist.

Blackburn, T, ASRT@RSNA 2014: Expanding the Role of the Radiographer in the Quality Assurance Triangle.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14000938.html