CQI for imaging services: Part I, An introduction

In continuous quality improvement (CQI), all employees involved in the provision of services cooperate in evaluating and understanding the processes associated with these services. Through such cooperation, organizations can improve service quality on a continuous basis. A good way for radiology managers to prepare for CQI implementation is to review W.E. Deming's fourteen principles of continuous quality improvement. To be successful, a CQI program requires direct, hands-on involvement by managers. A program that is implemented correctly will enable a radiology facility to become more competitive. Quality improvements typically result in increased worker productivity, which allows a facility to perform more work with fewer resources.