1.- A strategic decision of creating a Committee on Quality and Safety (Q&S) in Radiation was taken institutionally.
A specialized multidisciplinary team of auditors composed by medical experts in the use of ionizing radiation (radiation physics,
radiation oncology,
nuclear medicine,
interventional radiologists,
etc.) as well as experts in other safety and quality aspects of health care (clinical engineering,
XX,
etc.) were nominated to perform the audit programme established by the Q&S Committee.
2.- The Committee decided to fulfill the requisites needed to achieve EuroSafe accreditation and thus,
be the first Latin American hospital to obtain this distinction.
During the EuroSafe Imaging accreditation plan,
the Mammography Department of the Hospital Italiano of Buenos Aires made special emphasis in the following two EuroSafe Actions:
3.- Out of the 6 topics evaluated by Eurosafe,
we worked on Actions 14 and 19,
which were developed during this project.
Topic QUALITY & SAFETY
Action 14: Patient information on radiation issues
Easily accessible information materials on radiation protection principles and practices are available to patients and carers.
Topic EDUCATION
Action 19: Educational programme in radiation protection
Measures to educate staff about best practice in radiation protection are in place in the imaging department.
4.- The technician personnel received updated training during 2018 regarding good practices for mammographic examinations and patients’ radiological protection.
These trainings were carried out throughout several days,
to include all staff attending different work shifts,
developing a program settled between the Head of the Department and the physicians in charge of patients’ radiological protection.
5.- A document including frequently asked questions (FAQs) was uploaded to the Hospital’s webpage,
where patients can log in to access their appointments’ information.
Administrative staff was trained to accurately answer these questions.
6.- Several events and community activities were arranged,
such as breast cancer awareness month that took place during the month of October.
This was a unique opportunity for interaction between patients and medical specialists.
We also worked in a multidisciplinary way,
in order to inform women about the potential benefits and risks of mammography.
Through a playful proposal,
medical information was given to women using clear language.
7.- Educational material was distributed throughout the community,
including leaflets,
roll-ups and posters,
raising public awareness on breast pathology and which are the potential benefits and risks of mammography.