Authors

  1. Farrell, Mary Beth MS, CNMT
  2. Lally, Mary MS, CAE
  3. Vermeiren, Frank MS, RT(R)(CV), RDCS

Abstract

Background and objectives: The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) created a voluntary quality improvement (QI) tool that allows imaging facilities to self-assess and document the quality of imaging studies. This study aimed to evaluate users' perceptions of the effectiveness and usefulness of the new QI self-assessment tool.

 

Methods: The IAC's QI tool evaluates 4 quality measures: test appropriateness; technical quality/safety; interpretive quality; and report timeliness/completeness. A survey was appended to the tool to assess the perceived value.

 

Results: Between May 2016 and July 2017, a total of 829 facilities completed 5312 self-assessments. During that time, 936 respondents completed the survey. There was a high level of agreement that the tool is easy to use (91.8%), encouraged critical thinking (90.3%), and the activity was worthwhile (89.6%).

 

Conclusion: The results show that most respondents find value in using the voluntary IAC QI Self-assessment Tool. Respondents believed tool use encouraged critical thinking, and they were satisfied with the QI self-assessment process.