The New Jersey radiographic quality assurance program at 5 years.
OBJECTIVE
Five years ago, the New Jersey Bureau of Radiological Health decided to develop and implement a proactive, outcome-based quality assurance and quality control program. The specific goals were reducing unnecessary patient radiation exposure and improving image quality (IQ).


METHODS
From inception, input was obtained from the regulated community, which included all medical facilities providing diagnostic radiographic services. The program monitored entrance skin exposure (ESE) and quantitative IQ for 3 radiographic examinations: posteroanterior chest, anteroposterior lumbar spine, and anteroposterior foot.


RESULTS
Within 1 year, the mean ESE for postanterior chest x-rays had dropped by 39%, the ESE for anteroposterior lumbar spine films had decreased by 18%, and the ESE for anteroposterior foot x-rays had declined by 48%. After the second year, the decreases in ESE were 44%, 29%, and 61%, respectively. There was a corresponding improvement in quantitative IQ.


CONCLUSIONS
Reductions in mean patient radiation exposure can be accomplished for specific radiographic examinations while achieving significant improvement in quantitative IQ. This requires the education of and cooperation with the regulated community. Details of the program and the response of the regulated community are presented.
Timins
Julie
J
Christ Hospital, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
Orlando
Paul
P
Lipoti
Jill
J
D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000592:standards*; D009515:New Jersey; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011859:Radiography / Q000592:standards*; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards*