Understanding, Assessing, and Maximizing Image Quality

Abstract

Medical technology is increasingly scrutinized as to its utility. In particular, there is increasing demand that demonstrable beneficial effects on patient outcomes be used to justify further investments in technology. This holds true whether you are a scientist competing for research funding who must show the potential significance of his or her work for human health or a clinician who must base diagnostic decisions on “evidence-based” practices. In light of this trend and the emphasis exerted by the FDA and insurance payers, among others, it is surprising that precious few of the imaging techniques in common use, including MRI, have been subject to, let alone have passed muster in, rigorous trials of their utility. Perhaps it is the gee-whiz technology sweeping us off of our feet: the introduction and adoption of new techniques may be regulated much more by market forces than by medical evidence.