Global System-Based Quality Improvement in Radiation Medicine and Medical Imaging

Abstract

Radiation medicine (RM) covers the fields of diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Medical imaging (MI) comprises all imaging techniques with or without using ionizing radiation, i.e. ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are included. Radiation medicine and medical imaging (RMMI) are indispensible in modern medicine, improve patient-centered care, and their use has expanded worldwide. While advances in techniques and technologies have led to major improvements in RMMI and in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions, inappropriate or unskilled use of radiation can lead to unnecessary or unintended exposures and potential health hazards to patients and staff. From a public health perspective, it is important to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks when radiation is used in medicine.

The stakeholders have successfully conducted many actions to improve quality in RMMI and radiation safety in different settings. However, examples of prospectively designed and system-based initiatives covering a comprehensive range of integrated actions are less common. A global example is the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Radiation Safety in Health Care Settings and a national example is the Australian Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging Program. The Global Initiative provides an inclusive global platform to engage and mobilize the stakeholders towards a safer and more effective use of radiation in health through the implementation of radiation safety actions. This chapter describes the key features of these initiatives. The challenges and solutions of a system-based quality improvement initiative in RMMI are discussed.