Improving imaging utilization through practice quality improvement (maintenance of certification part IV): a review of requirements and approach to implementation

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Apr;202(4):797-802. doi: 10.2214/AJR.13.11607.

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this article are to review the American Board of Radiology requirements for practice quality improvement and to describe our approach to improving imaging utilization while offering a guide to implementing similar projects at other institutions, emphasizing the plan-do-study-act approach.

Conclusion: There is increased emphasis on improving quality in health care. Our institution has undertaken a multiphase practice quality improvement project addressing the appropriate utilization of screening cervical spinal CT in an emergency department.

MeSH terms

  • Certification / standards*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Clinical Competence / standards*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing / standards*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Patient Safety
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Radiology / education*
  • Specialty Boards
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States