Monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of angiographic/interventional radiologic procedures

The safety and efficacy of invasive radiologic procedures should be monitored in all departments that include such activities. Assessing the data arising from such monitoring and taking the actions needed to improve quality and appropriateness of care are additional steps that must be taken to meet the expectations of the JCAHO. The SCVIR has distributed to its membership for comment a proposal for a model program for monitoring and evaluating angiographic/interventional procedures that, if adopted by a department, would help meet external accrediting reviews. The SCVIR also has under study a proposal to develop a national data base that would act as a repository of information on invasive radiologic procedures. By voluntarily participating in the program, departments would receive feedback that periodically documents performance and compares it with national norms established by all participants in the program. If the data base is sufficiently detailed, distinct advantages of collaborative research could result. Data related to comparative technology assessment, cost-benefit analyses, and other derived information could then be made available to other physicians, the public, payers, and government agencies. The discipline of radiology would have a vehicle to influence and create national recommendations for health care policy decisions.