International Radiology Quality Network (IRQN)
Welcome to the IRQN
The International Radiology Quality Network (IRQN) was formed in March 2002. It's
purpose is to promote quality in radiology through collaboration, experience
sharing and mutual assistance. It is interested in matters related to the elements
fundamental to the delivery of quality radiology services, the promotion of
evidence-based and appropriate utilisation of radiology, the processes relating
to quality control, quality assurance, quality improvement and practice
accreditation.
Aims and Principles of the IRQN
The IRQN's aims are to:
- establish international trends in quality activities;
- respond to issues proactively rather than reactively;
- share information and resources;
- develop efficient and effective assessment processes; and
- draft an international Accreditation Standard in Radiology.
The network will:
- be inclusive of other organisations following the establishment of a
robust working infrastructure;
- be broad in scope, covering all radiological services;
- collaborate and share experience and resources between members; and
- develop standards and guidelines which are credible, realistic and ensure
a minimum level of quality and safety.
Terms of Reference
In addition to the aims and principles of operation, the following terms of
reference were developed.
It was agreed that the network would facilitate and promote the research and
development of:
- the elements fundamental to the delivery of quality radiology services
with the exception of training of radiologists, which is under the auspices
of Education Boards. These may include professional, technical and
administrative issues, covering standards, minimal requirements and audits
etc;
- evidence-based and appropriate utilization of radiology services in
collaboration with patients, referrers, providers and payers. Such examples
may include referral guidelines, appropriateness criteria, patient
information etc;
- the processes associated with quality control, quality assurance and quality
improvement, such as image review and self guided quality improvement
activities; and
- the components essential to the successful operation of an accreditation
program for quality radiology services.
Motto and Objectives
The IRQN's motto is: Collaboration is strength.
The IRQN's objectives are: Promote quality in radiology through collaboration,
experience sharing and mutual assistance.
Progress and Tasks
The members of the network meet annually and communicate by email regularly
between the face-to-face meetings. The network's tasks are prioritized into
short, medium and long term activities.
Short term
- Develop an awareness program
- Develop a homepage
- Trial a collaborative project
Medium term
- Plan quality segments in international meetings
- Prepare guidelines to assist development of standards and processes
- Develop processes to improve and promote quality
- Benchmark performance
- Develop education material for patients, referrers and payers
- Publish a newsletter
- Develop an inventory of quality resources to be shared
Long term
- Publish a quality journal
- Develop international Accreditation Standards in Radiology
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