Background/Introduction
The usefulness of diagnostic imaginghas been well-established for more than one century.
However,
the quality of the services provided has been always taken for granted.
Comprehensivequality systems are essential to ensuresafe and efficient performance of medical imaging department,
providing quality clinical images while maintaining patient and staff exposureas low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
TheInternational Atomic Energy Agencyhas been traditionally working to ensuresafe and effective use of radiation in medicine and within this framework it provides continuous support to its Member Sates to establish comprehensive quality...
Description of activity and work performed
In the field of diagnostic imaging,
simple Quality Control,
capturing the equipment performance,
has gradually evolved to Quality Assurance and more recently to Quality Management,
with the objective of continuous quality improvement(Fig. 2).
Comprehensive quality systems include all aspects of medical imaging process,such as room and workflow design,
equipment selection,
equipment purchase,
installation oversight,
acceptance testing,
commissioning,
quality control,
on-going equipment maintenance and support,
and disposal at the end of the equipment’s useful life.
The IAEA,
and specifically the Division of Human Health,
has been...
Conclusion and Recommendations
Diagnostic imaginghas been well-established for many years and represents the largest man-made contribution to population exposure.However,
the quality of the services provided has been always taken for granted. In the modern era,quality comes as the result of a structured process that requires effort and involvement of all associated staff and commitment from the management.
TheInternational Atomic Energy Agencyhas been traditionally working to support safe and effective use of radiation in medicine and Member States can seek support and guidance in developing quality systems for diagnostic...
Personal/Organisational information
The goal of the IAEA Division ofHuman Health is to enhance the capabilities in Member States to address needs related to the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases through the application of nuclear techniques.
This mandate arises from Article II of the IAEA's Statute: "The Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace,
health and prosperity throughout the world."
The Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics (DMRP) section is responsible for the quality assurance (QA) aspects of the use of...
References
[1].
Quality Assurance Programme for Computed Tomography: Diagnostic and Therapy Applications,
IAEA Human Health Series No.
19 (2012)
[2].
Quality Assurance Programme for Screen Film Mammography,
IAEA Human Health Series No.
2,
2009
[3].
Quality Assurance Programme for Digital Mammography,
IAEA Human Health Series No.
17,
2011
[4].
Comprehensive Clinical Audits of Diagnostic Radiology Practices: A Tool for Quality Improvement,
IAEA Human Health Series No.
4,
2010