Importance of quality assurance program implementation in conventional diagnostic radiology

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Diagnostic radiology provides essential imaging information not obtainable through non-ionizing radiation methods.
• Quality assurance (QA) in radiology aims to optimize practice by balancing diagnostic information with patient radiation exposure (ALARA principle) and cost-effectiveness.
• Effective QA encompasses equipment quality control (QC), resource optimization, and patient dose monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the current status of diagnostic radiology QA implementation in Croatia.
• To identify barriers hindering the systematic implementation of QA programs.
• To emphasize the necessity of QA program adoption for aligning Croatian practices with EU standards.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews the current state of QA in Croatian diagnostic radiology.
• It identifies factors preventing comprehensive QA implementation, including lack of trained personnel, inadequate equipment, and financial constraints.
• The analysis underscores the gap between legal QC requirements and broader QA practices.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic radiology QA programs are not systematically implemented across Croatian medical institutions.
• Existing QA efforts are limited to legally mandated QC of X-ray equipment.
• Significant barriers, including staff shortages, lack of equipment, and financial issues, impede comprehensive QA.

Conclusions:

• Systematic implementation of comprehensive QA programs in Croatian diagnostic radiology is imperative.
• Adopting robust QA practices is essential for improving diagnostic quality and patient safety.
• Harmonizing practices with EU standards requires addressing the identified barriers to QA implementation.