Leadership and Innovations to Improve Radiology Quality and Radiation Safety in China: Regional, National and Global Perspectives

Abstract

This chapter begins with a description of the current use of and resources for radiation medicine in China, covering diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy procedures. This is followed by a discussion of the workforce, workload, equipment and infrastructure issues and their impact on quality control and radiation safety. Examples of the relevant national laws and regulations are listed and their objectives outlined. The solutions used to tackle these challenges are presented. Education and training is an important and key strategy. Regional Radiation Quality Control Centers are being established to spearhead local implementation of actions. Other actions include research, increasing awareness, and building competent team in radiological quality control and radiation safety within medical facilities. The initial focus is on radiologists but these efforts will be extended to other clinicians and the public. As there are regional variations in economic development and healthcare infrastructure, local adaptation of overarching principles together with a consideration of the available resources will lead to better local solutions. From a global perspective, there are useful and freely available resources in radiation protection, and programs that will add value to local radiation protection efforts. Effective communication and collaboration with other stakeholders will result in better outcome. Lead by the authorities and professional bodies, in collaboration with other stakeholders, a range of innovative actions will be progressively introduced in China resulting in nation-wide strengthening of system infrastructure and improvements in radiation safety and quality in the radiation medicine facilities.