Challenges facing the implementation of quality control by radiographers in Tanzania

Jenny Motto,Wilbroad Edward Muhogora,Wilson Maliyatabu Ngoye

doi:10.15392/bjrs.v7i1.752

Abstract

Quality control (QC) programme is vital for quality radiological services at low radiation dose and costs. However, the QC implementation by radiographers in Tanzania is inadequate. This study aimed at investigating the challenges facing the implementation of the QC programme by radiographers in diagnostic radiography units in Tanzania and recommend strategies to mitigate the challenges. The study was conducted on a sample of 84 radiographers who have been trained on the QC programme, and who were practicing in 54 hospitals within Tanzania. Majority of respondents agreed that the lack of standardized test tools (98.8%) and lack of managerial support (51.8%) were hindering the QC programme. Also, the lack of care of equipment by radiographers and lack of motivation were identified. The strategies suggested to improve the programme include more enforcement (63.9%), assistance by the government (44.6%), motivation (33.7%) and improvement of the QC training (32.5%). Also, professional development activities and QC awareness to hospital management teams were suggested. It is crucial that the barriers to the QC programme are addressed and the strategies identified are considered if comprehensive implementation of the QC programme is to be realized.

Highlights

The main goal of diagnostic radiology is to obtain images of sufficient quality to enable the diagnosis of disease or injury at minimum possible radiation dose to patients
It was encouraging to find that a large proportion (97.6%) of the respondents agreed with the importance of the quality control (QC) programme in the quality of radiological services and that radiographers are responsible for implementing the programme (Table 2)
The main challenges attributing to the poor implementation of the QC programme are the lack of enforcement, lack of standardised tools, lack of care of equipment and lack of motivation

Summary

Introduction

The main goal of diagnostic radiology is to obtain images of sufficient quality to enable the diagnosis of disease or injury at minimum possible radiation dose to patients. In order to achieve this objective, the implementation of quality control (QC) programme in diagnostic radiology is essential to achieve such optimal equipment performance and images of diagnostic quality, taking into account timely diagnosis [1,2,3]. Failure of kV settings of the x-ray machine results in loss of contrast of the radiographic image. This may require a repeat examination which contribute to unnecessary or higher dose to patients and unreliable diagnosis [4,5,6]. Equipment problems are observed at a serious stage requiring higher repair costs, interruptions of the radiological services as well as poor imaging services resulting in wastage of hospital resources such as films, wastage of patients’ time and missed diagnosis. Patients lose confidence in the facility; the facility’s image is tarnished, and loses clients [2, 3, 7, 8]

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion