Special JACR issue provides guidance on implementing radiology quality improvement projects

To be published online Dec. 1, 2014, a special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR®) provides practical guidance on implementing radiology quality improvement projects. Topics include preplanning, gaining nonradiologist buy-in and strategies to influence referring physician ordering. The December quality improvement issue was guest edited by Paul Nagy, PhD, and Ruth Carlos, MD.

"Quality improvement techniques are reliable methods to drive change and improve efficiency," said Paul Nagy, PhD, guest editor of the December quality improvement issue. "This JACR issue will demystify the process and provide sample projects that can be adapted to one's local practice. It will also give providers skills and strategies to expand their institutional influence and leadership."

Articles include:
Assessing Local Resources and Cultures Before Instituting Quality Improvement Projects
C. Matthew Hawkins, MD
During the planning phases of all quality improvement projects, assessing available local resources and the culture in which the desired change is to be implemented are important steps to increasing the likelihood of a successful project.

Advanced Practice Quality Improvement: Beyond the Radiology Department
Michael A. Bruno, MD
Radiologists' leadership in quality and safety often must extend beyond the boundaries of the radiology department in order to most effectively benefit the patients they seek to help.

Advanced Practice Quality Improvement Project: How to Influence Physician Radiologic Imaging Ordering Behavior
Daniel J. Durand, MD; Marc D. Kohli, MD
This paper describes a systemic approach radiologists can use to improve their ability to influence the ordering behavior of referring physicians.

ACR Imaging IT Reference Guide

The December JACR also includes a special issue titled: ACR Imaging IT Reference Guide. Guest edited by Christoph Wald, MD, PhD, and Jay W. Patti, MD, this valuable resource is written for the practicing radiologist and provides a wealth of knowledge useful in daily practice and for long-range planning, put together by numerous national experts in the field. Topics include Imaging 3.0™; meaningful use; security of electronic medical information and patient privacy; informatics; technology standards in imaging; image sharing; and use of mobile devices for medical imaging.

"This special issue can improve readers' knowledge of imaging IT," said Christoph Wald, MD, PhD, guest editor of the reference guide. "Those who recognize imaging IT's vital role may be motivated to continue building their skills. This can help improve their practice efficiency and quality of patient care."