Implementation of Process Improvements to Facilitate Cardiac CT Re-Credentialing in a Rural Healthcare System

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Cardiology
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Rural healthcare providers face challenges in obtaining necessary components for cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT) re-credentialing.
• An evaluation of an existing re-credentialing system was conducted to identify and address these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT) re-credentialing system.
• To implement process improvements facilitating Cardiac CT re-credentialing for rural providers.

Main Methods:

• Assessed institutional opportunities for Cardiac CT quality assurance (QA) conference attendance, imaging evaluation, and continuing medical education (CME) acquisition in 2009 and 2013.
• Implemented process improvements in 2014, including electronic media hosting, a hands-on image interpretation course, and expanded CME options.
• Evaluated pre- and post-improvement data over a 10-year period, comparing event metrics, attendance, image reviews, and CME credits awarded.

Main Results:

• Substantial increase in attendance at Cardiac CT QA conferences post-implementation, with electronic attendance comprising 26% of the rise.
• The hands-on course offered 43 images for review annually, significantly contributing to practical training.
• A notable increase in awarded Cardiac CT CME credits correlated with higher QA and hands-on course participation.

Conclusions:

• Institutional strategies can effectively enhance rural provider access to essential components for Cardiac CT Level II re-credentialing.
• Process improvement methods, similar to those implemented, offer significant benefits and engagement for both rural and urban health organizations in meeting certification requirements, particularly in the COVID-19 era.