EDITORIAL

Quality
Assurance in

Radiology
Q uality assurance can be defined
as providing a service to the patient that
meets certain acceptable professional
standards. The concept of quality assur-
ance (QA) is not new. It was introduced
into Japan after the Second World War
and the culture of QA has spread glo-
bally into most service industries includ-
ing Medicine. Radiology is well suited to
the concept of QA. We provide the pa-
tient and referring doctor with a service.
The quality of the service can be meas-
ured objectively and can be compared
with set standards that have been estab-
lished by professional bodies. Such stand-
ards have been developed by the Royal
College of Radiologists of the UK, the
Australasian College of Radiologists and
the American College of Radiologists. In
South Africa, Alan Scher and Stuart
Whittaker of the Council for Health
Services Accreditation of Southern Af-
rica (COHSASA) have developed local
standards for radiology departments.
These standards encompass radiation
protection, patient data and image stor-
age, resuscitation equipment, radiologi-
cal equipment and staff training.
COHSASA identifies departments
which meet these set standards and
provides certificates of quality service.

PeterCorr
MBChB, FFRAD(D)SA, FRCR,

MMed(UC7)
Department of Radiology,

University of Natal

3 SAJOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY. May 1996

Why is QA important to the practis-
ing radiologist? Certification of a depart-
ment will probably be a future require-
ment in all HMO contracts. Certifica-
tion will also provide patients with in-
formation concerning the standard of
radiological practice for a particular de-
partment. Presently COHSASA is as-
sessing a number of private and public
hospitals in South Africa. If a department
does not meet minimum standards
COHSASA will provide advice on how
to improve the quality of service.

The concept is good with benefits for
both the radiologist and patient. I would
encourage you to take up this opportu-
nity to apply for COHSASA certifica-
tion. The Radiological Society and
CO HSASA will gladly provide you with
further details on how to apply.

The Editor