AIMS There are minimal data on methods to measure and improve quality in image interpretation when reporting cardiovascular imaging studies. We sought to identify the feasibility and clinical utility of a nationally implemented quality assurance (QA) process. METHODS AND RESULTS A web-based platform was developed to administer a national QA module to 27 echocardiography departments within the...

Sputum smear microscopy is the main and often only laboratory technique used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in resource-poor countries, making quality assurance (QA) of smear microscopy an important activity. We evaluated the effects of a 5-day refresher training course for laboratory technicians and the distribution of new microscopes on the quality of smear microscopy in 13 primary health ...

Background: The aim of this study was to measure and determine diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of programs used at intraoral and dent panoramic examinations in Kosovo. Materials and Methods: To determine DRL, were performed measurements for dose area product (DAP) at intraoral and dental panoramic radiology systems. This study has covered over 47% of X-ray units, which are in use for intraor...

Self-developing radiochromic film is widely used in radiotherapy QA procedures. To compensate for typical inhomogeneities, the triple channel analysis method commonly photon-irradiated film. We investigated applicability of this GafchromicTMEBT3 (Ashland) irradiated with a clinically carbon-ion beam. Calibration curves were taken from EBT3 specimens monoenergetic beams different doses. Measurem...

Despite the proliferation of online education, concerns remain about the quality of online programmes. Quality assurance (QA) has become a prominent issue, not only for educational institutions and accreditors, but also for students and employers alike. This paper describes some of the rather unique QA processes used at Universitas 21 Global (U21G), one of the new breed of online academic insti...

INTRODUCTION The nationwide neonatal screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Taiwan was started on 1 July 1987. A network of G6PD referral hospitals distributed all around Taiwan was organised for follow-up, confirmatory testing, medical care and genetic counselling. To assess the reliability of confirmatory and screening tests, an external quality assurance (QA) pr...

The health-promoting hospitals (HPH) movement in Estonia was initiated in 1999. This study aimed to compare the implementation of health-promoting and quality-related activities in HPH and those which have not joined the HPH network (non-HPH). In the beginning of 2005, a postal survey was conducted among the top managers of 54 Estonian hospitals. The questionnaire was based on the WHO standards...

PURPOSE To explore site- and clinician-level factors associated with protocol violations requiring real-time-review (RTR) resubmission in a multicenter clinical trial to help tailor future quality assurance (QA) protocols. METHODS AND MATERIALS RAVES (Radiation Therapy-Adjuvant vs Early Salvage) (Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group 08.03) is a randomized trial comparing adjuvant with early ...