The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) have announced progress in developing a practical framework to facilitate safe and timely radiology reporting.
In July 2018, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the Care Quality Commission, called on the RCR and SCoR to help imaging departments improve turnaround times for reporting.
Thus far, the colleges have decided upon the following key measures to include in their framework:
- A quality standard for imaging based on the current standard for imaging accreditation
- A review of the service accreditation process
- Additions to the existing professional guidance
- The promotion of decision support software that integrates RCR's iRefer guidelines for the use of clinical imaging services
- Definitions of the standards for curricula, service delivery, and assessment of reporting radiographers
The two groups will continue to campaign for the additional investment in the radiologist and radiographer workforce that is urgently needed to safeguard patients, as well as calling for dedicated capital investment in imaging equipment and IT connectivity, according to the statement.
"Without that investment, the quality services and timely reporting our patients deserve will not be possible," the groups noted.
