[Quality assessment using AGIR: results and experience].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether a new software from the working group for interventional radiology (AGIR) is an appropriate tool for quality assurance in interventional radiology, and presentation of results acquired within the quality improvement process in 1999.


METHODS
AGIR-defined parameters such as patient data, risk profile, given interventions as well as complications were registered by a recently developed software. Based on monthly data analyses, possible complications were identified and discussed in morbidity and mortality conferences.


RESULTS
1014 interventions were performed in our institution in 1999. According to criteria established by AGIR, the complication rate was 2.7%. In addition and according to SCVIR criteria, complications were distinguished quantitatively in five classes and semiquantitatively in minor and major groups. The result was a minor complication rate of 1.8%, and a major rate of 0.9%. There were no cases of death associated with the intervention. Further strategies were developed in order to reduce the complication rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Extensive quality assurance methods can be integrated in daily routine work. These methods lead to an intensive transparency of treatment results, and allow the implementation of continuous quality improvements. The development of the software is a first step in establishing a nation-wide quality assurance system. Nevertheless, modification and additional definition of the AGIR predefined parameters are required, for example, to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Radiologische Universitätsklinik, Abteilung für Röntgendiagnostik, Klinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. rauch@mrsl.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
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D
Rauch
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Kotter
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Kurtz
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Schäfer
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Ehritt-Braun
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Burger
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Schaper
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Uhrmeister
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011786:Quality Control; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012306:Risk; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012984:Software