RAD 230 - Quality Improvement in Imaging

Credits: 1

     A.          Identify the need for quality management in diagnostic imaging.

     B.          Discuss the impact of government regulation and The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation on quality management.

     C.          Compare quality assurance, quality control, and quality management.

     D.          Explain the various tools of group dynamics.

     E.          Discuss the types of graphs and charts used to organize and present data in total quality management.

     F.          Explain the TJC cycle for improving performance.

2.    Identify issues related to risk management in the workplace.

     A.          Define risk management.

     B.          Explain the purposes of risk management.

     C.          Discuss the responsibility for risk management within a facility.

     D.          Analyze an incident report.

     E.          Describe utilization of incident reports.

     F.           Discuss confidentiality of health information.

3.    Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.

     A.          Define problem seekers and problem avoiders.

     B.          Outline the steps in the decision-making process.

     C.          Differentiate between planning decisions and problem solving decisions.

4.    Utilize instrumentation and testing methods to perform quality assurance procedures on the radiographic imaging system.

     A.          Discuss the relationship between quality assurance and quality control in radiography.

     B.          Describe the following processes:  identification of imaging requirements; development of equipment specifications; selection of
                   equipment; installation and testing of equipment; training of technical staff.

     C.          Describe the objectives and responsibilities of monitoring equipment performance.

     D.          Describe primary automatic film processor quality control monitoring and maintenance procedures.

     E.          Explain the data collection process and basic analysis involved in a repeat-rate analysis.

     F.           Describe a basic trouble shooting procedure.

     G.          Describe image acquisition errors for digital imaging.

     H.          Describe digital image artifacts.

     I.           Discuss quality assurance and maintenance issues for digital imaging.

 5.     Develop an understanding of State, Federal, and professional standards related to quality imaging.

     A.          Identify state agencies involved with quality improvement aspects of radiographic systems.

     B.          Discuss state agency regulations, inspections, and enforcement as they relate to quality improvement.

     C.          Identify federal agencies involved with quality improvement aspects of radiographic systems.

     D.          Discuss federal regulations and enforcement/consultation service as they relate to quality improvement.

     E.          Discuss professional standards involved with quality improvement in imaging.

6.    Demonstrate an understanding of introductory ethics and law in the imaging  sciences.

     A.          Differentiate between the various types of law.

     B.          Describe the standard of care and how it is established.

     C.          Discuss the concept of tortuous conduct and causes of action based upon behaviors of a health care practitioner.

     D.          Argue the importance of privacy of records and the relation between privacy of records and patient confidentiality issues.

     E.          Explain negligence and the four elements necessary to meet the burden of proof in a medical negligence claim.

     F.          Discuss the terms:

                  1.    libel/slander

                  2.    assault/battery

                  3.    false imprisonment

                  4.    invasion of privacy

                  5.    breach of confidentiality

                  6.    vicarious liability

                  7.    borrowed servant

                  8.    respondeat superior

                  9.    res ipsa loquitur

     G.         Justify the need for informed consent.

     H.         Discuss the information needed by a patient prior to giving informed consent.

     I.           Discuss the ASRT Scope of Practice for the radiographer.

     J.          Differentiate between professional and legal standards.

7.    Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and operation of health care organizations.

     A.          Provide an overview of the administration of a diagnostic imaging department and the structure of hospital organization.

     B.          Describe the placement and role of the diagnostic imaging department in a health care organization.

     C.          Define the organization of a medical imaging department.

     D.          Explain the functions of management including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, and coordinating.

     E.          Describe regulating agencies that affect medical imaging.

     F.           Discuss the characteristics of desirable applicants for employment in medical imaging.

     G.          Identify major health information management department functions.

     H.          Describe how health record documentation affects hospital and physician reimbursement.

     I.           Describe the prospective payment system including diagnosis-related groups and coding and classification systems.

     J.          Discuss health care distribution.

     K.          Analyze the allocation of funds for health care, e.g., managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.

     L.          Differentiate between confidential and nonconfidential information.

     M.         Discuss the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

     N.         Discuss the procedure for correcting or amending documentation errors in a patient health record.