Importance of quality assurance program implementation in conventional diagnostic radiology.

Diagnostic radiology's basic task is to provide high quality diagnostic image information about anatomic detail or ongoing physiological process within patient's body, where such information can not be provided using alternative diagnostic method which excludes the use of ionizing radiation. Ensuring adequate clinical diagnostic information together with the least possible exposure of the patient to radiation (As Low As Reasonably Achievable--ALARA principle) at the lowest costs is quality assurance (QA) program's main goal--optimization of radiological practice. Implementation of QA program does not mean just meeting legal requirements regarding quality control (QC) of X-ray and associated equipment and areas where they are installed but also implies optimum use of equipment, human and material resources inspected trough film rejection analysis and monitoring of patient doses received in particular radiological diagnostic examinations. In Republic of Croatia QA program in diagnostic radiology has not been yet systematically implemented in any medical institution. Except for legally bounded QC of X-ray equipment, other aspects of QA program are not conducted due to many reasons such as lack of educated staff and adequate measuring equipment, absence of obligatory legal acts, poor financial situation in Croatian health care system and many others. Implementation of QA program in diagnostic radiology departments of Croatian medical institutions is an imperative in order to harmonize the good practice with other countries in EU.