An Exploration Study of Quality Assurance Practices of the Radiology Department of a Private Hospital in Quezon City

Abstract

Quality assurance in radiology includes a set of procedures that verifies the x-ray equipment is working to provide accurate diagnostic information to patients in a timely manner while exposing them to least amount of radiation. This exploratory qualitative research depicts viewpoints of radiology professionals involved with quality assurance in the radiology department. The researchers interviewed seven participants from a private hospital in Quezon City, who were involved in the provision of quality assurance program in diagnostic imaging. To guide the conversation, the researchers utilized a structured interview questionnaire to outline essential aspects and practices in quality assurance, and highlight challenges encountered by radiologist which can affect implementation and application of quality assurance in the department. According to the findings, Quality Assurance Team is composed of radiologist, chief radiologic technologists, and radiologic technologist. The personnel’s responsibility during quality assurance program necessitates concerted efforts of the entire radiology department to ensure that consistency of production is maintained. The study revealed that guaranteeing consistent quality outcomes involves cooperation not just within the members of radiology quality assurance team but also with another relevant department such as the biomedical engineering. These engineers are involved in sharing responsibilities in maintaining imaging devices, as well as reducing potential risk caused by image errors that can affect the patients. The researchers, recommends the following: Hospital Management should ensure sufficient budget to sustain effectiveness of quality assurance program in the department; Radiology department should provide necessary materials to be used by the radiologic technologists such as manuals regarding quality assurance; Radiologic Technologists must commit to sustain quality assurance program to obtain patient’s satisfaction by taking innovative approaches to improve the overall image acquired; and Future Researchers may improve the limitations encountered in this study such as the exclusion of radiology professionals working in other hospital in Quezon City.