Search

Background: Advanced imaging techniques play a pivotal role in oncology. A large variety of computed tomography (CT) scanners, scan protocols, and acquisition techniques have led to a wide range in image quality and radiation exposure. This study aims at implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimization (i-Violin) through harmonizing image quality and radiation dose across Europe., Methods: The 2‑year multicenter implementation study outlined here will focus on CT imaging of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancer and include imaging for four radiological indications: diagnosis, radiation therapy planning, staging, and follow-up. Therefore, 480 anonymized CT data sets of patients will be collected by the associated university hospitals and uploaded to a repository. Radiologists will determine key abdominopelvic structures for image quality assessment by consensus and subsequently adapt a previously developed lung CT tool for the objective evaluation of image quality. The quality metrics will be evaluated for their correlation with perceived image quality and the standardized optimization strategy will be disseminated across Europe., Results: The results of the outlined study will be used to obtain European reference data, to build teaching programs for the developed tools, and to create a culture of optimization in oncological CT imaging., Conclusion: The study protocol and rationale for i‑Violin, a European approach for standardization and harmonization of image quality and optimization of CT procedures in oncological imaging, is presented. Future results will be disseminated across all EU member states, and i‑Violin is thus expected to have a sustained impact on CT imaging for cancer patients across Europe., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: T. Jorg, M.C. Halfmann, L. Müller, F. Stoehr, P. Mildenberger, M. Hierath, G. Paulo, J. Santos, J. Damilakis, I. Kralik, B. Brkljacic, D. Cvetko, D. Kuhleji, H. Bosmans, D. Petrov, S. Foley, P. Toroi, J.P. McNulty and C. Hoeschen declare that they have no competing interests. i‑Violin will only deal with fully anonymized patient data, to avoid any ethical issues. However, each participating clinical site will inform their ethical review board. Ethics approvals will be obtained from the appropriate bodies prior to starting i‑Violin image collection activities according to the requirements of the respective institutions. The study will be performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. The supplement containing this article is not sponsored by industry., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the status of radiology quality improvement programs in a variety of selected nations worldwide., Methods: A survey was developed by select members of the International Economics Committee of the American College of Radiology on quality programs and was distributed to committee members. Members responded on behalf of their country. The 51-question survey asked about 12 different quality initiatives which were grouped into 4 themes: departments, users, equipment, and outcomes. Respondents reported whether a designated type of quality initiative was used in their country and answered subsequent questions further characterizing it., Results: The response rate was 100% and represented Australia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States. The most frequently reported quality initiatives were imaging appropriateness (91.7%) and disease registries (91.7%), followed by key performance indicators (83.3%) and morbidity and mortality rounds (83.3%). Peer review, equipment accreditation, radiation dose monitoring, and structured reporting were reported by 75.0% of respondents, followed by 58.3% of respondents for quality audits and critical incident reporting. The least frequently reported initiatives included Lean/Kaizen exercises and physician performance assessments, implemented by 25.0% of respondents., Conclusion: There is considerable diversity in the quality programs used throughout the world, despite some influence by national and international organizations, from whom further guidance could increase uniformity and optimize patient care in radiology.