How to implement a radiology quality improvement program. Pearls and pitfalls.
To get started and to help overcome some of the problems with implementation mentioned above, five essential things need attention: 1. Top level commitment; 2. Physician participation; 3. On-going education; 4. Performance measurement (both of the department and individual); 5. Up-front investment of time and resources. The fundamental changes in technology, financing, and accountability present formidable challenges to departments of radiology today. Fortunately, quality management techniques offer a way to meet the challenges and simultaneously improve efficiency of care and quality. Learning and practicing these techniques is not an easy task, but overcoming the obstacles to implementation and getting on with the job will prove very rewarding.