title: Quality Improvement in 3D Imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a quality control program on reducing errors in the generation of 3D images.
  
  
  METHODS
  The average monthly error rate in reports by six 3D technologists (0.5-11 years of experience) using standardized clinical protocols was observed over 3 months. A training intervention was initiated and aimed at eliminating the observed errors. During the 3-month training period followed by a 9-month posttraining period, error rates were remeasured. Error rates before and after training were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The error rate was 16.1% during the initial observation period and decreased to 7.2% during the posttraining period despite a 7.6% average monthly increase in examination volume. The mean overall error rates were 5.2% for technologists with more than 4 years of experience and 10.6% for less-experienced technologists (p<0.001). There was a much greater effect of training among inexperienced than among experienced technologists (p<0.001). The proportion of examinations with a turnaround time of 4 hours or less increased in the posttraining period (p<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quality control does not negatively affect productivity. Performance monitoring and technologist mentoring are essential for quality assurance and result in considerable improvement.
authors.affiliation: Duke Multi-Dimensional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Rd, Ste 302, Durham, NC 27705, USA. lauraj.pierce@duke.edu
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: Kala
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raman
authors.forename: Jarrett
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Geoffrey D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Rubin
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000592:standards*; D007318:Inservice Training; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000592:standards*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards*