Quality Assurance Model Research Articles

A StarGAN and transformer-based hybrid classification-regression model for multi-institution VMAT patient-specific quality assurance.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI)-based patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) faces challenges in terms of developing general models across institutions due to the prevalence of multi-institution data collection and multivariate heterogeneity. Building a general model that is capable of handling diverse multi-institution data is critical for enabling large-scale integration and analysis. This study aims to develop a star generative adversarial network (StarGAN) and transformer-based hybrid classification-regression PSQA framework to address unification of heterogeneous data from different institutions. A StarGAN and transformer-based hybrid classification-regression model was developed as a general PSQA framework to predict gamma passing rates (GPRs) and classify quality assurance (QA) results as "Pass" or "Fail" at multiple institutions. A total of 1815 VMAT plans were collected from eight institutions to develop the general PSQA framework and perform clinical commissioning and implementation. Among them, 20 independent clinical plans from each of eight institutions, for a total of 160 plans, were used for the clinical commissioning, and 205 new clinical plans from eight institutions were used for clinical implementation. For the 3%/3, 3%/2, and 2%/2mm gamma criteria, the sensitivity of the proposed PSQA framework with pretraining was 90.13%, 92.03%, and 95.84%, respectively, while the specificity was 76.01%, 76.12%, and 85.34%, respectively. The mean absolute errors (MAEs) of the proposed PSQA framework with pretraining were 1.36%, 2.37%, and 3.96%, respectively, while the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) were 2.31%, 3.89%, and 5.17%, respectively. The results demonstrated visible improvement at multiple institutions. For clinical commissioning, the deviations between the predicted and measured results were all within 3% for 3%/3 and 3%/2mm at eight institutions. For clinical implementation, all failure plans were correctly identified by the proposed PSQA framework. The general PSQA framework enables diverse clinical data sources to be handled to achieve enhanced model performance and generalizability, and provides a solution to the unification of heterogeneous data from different institutions to construct robust QA models. This approach can be clinically deployed for VMAT QA.

Achieving accurate prostate auto-segmentation on CT in the absence of MR imaging

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for prostate segmentation. Computed tomography (CT)-based segmentation is prone to observer bias, potentially overestimating the prostate volume by ∼ 30 % compared to MRI. However, MRI accessibility is challenging for patients with contraindications or in rural areas globally with limited clinical resources. PurposeThis study investigates the possibility of achieving MRI-level prostate auto-segmentation accuracy using CT-only input via a deep learning (DL) model trained with CT-MRI registered segmentation. Methods and MaterialsA cohort of 111 definitive prostate radiotherapy patients with both CT and MRI images was retrospectively grouped into training (n = 37) and validation (n = 20) (where reference contours were derived from CT-MRI registration), and testing (n = 54) sets. Two commercial DL models were benchmarked against the reference contours in the training and validation sets. A custom DL model was incrementally retrained using the training dataset, quantitatively evaluated on the validation dataset, and qualitatively assessed by two different physician groups on the validation and testing datasets. A contour quality assurance (QA) model, established from the proposed model on the validation dataset, was applied to the test group to identify potential errors, confirmed by human visual inspection. ResultsTwo commercial models exhibited large deviations in the prostate apex with CT-only input (median: 0.77/0.78 for Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and 0.80 cm/0.83 cm for 95 % directed Hausdorff Distance (HD95), respectively). The proposed model demonstrated superior geometric similarity compared to commercial models, particularly in the apex region, with improvements of 0.05/0.17 cm and 0.06/0.25 cm in median DSC/HD95, respectively. Physician evaluation on MRI-CT registration data rated 69 %-78 % of the proposed model’s contours as clinically acceptable without modifications. Additionally, 73 % of cases flagged by the contour quality assurance (QA) model were confirmed via visual inspection. ConclusionsThe proposed incremental learning strategy based on CT-MRI registration information enhances prostate segmentation accuracy when MRI availability is limited clinically.

Data quality assurance practices in research data repositories—A systematic literature review

AbstractData quality issues can significantly hinder research reproducibility, data sharing, and reuse. At the forefront of addressing data quality issues are research data repositories (RDRs). This study conducted a systematic analysis of data quality assurance (DQA) practices in RDRs, guided by activity theory and data quality literature, resulting in conceptualizing a data quality assurance model (DQAM) for RDRs. DQAM outlines a DQA process comprising evaluation, intervention, and communication activities and categorizes 17 quality dimensions into intrinsic and product‐level data quality. It also details specific improvement actions for data products and identifies the essential roles, skills, standards, and tools for DQA in RDRs. By comparing DQAM with existing DQA models, the study highlights its potential to improve these models by adding a specific DQA activity structure. The theoretical implication of the study is a systematic conceptualization of DQA work in RDRs that is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of the literature and offers a refined conceptualization of DQA integration into broader frameworks of RDR evaluation. In practice, DQAM can inform the design and development of DQA workflows and tools. As a future research direction, the study suggests applying and evaluating DQAM across various domains to validate and refine this model further.

Integrated quality assurance model and its impact on the accreditation of university professional careers [Modelo integrado de aseguramiento de la calidad y su impacto en la acreditación de carreras profesionales universitarias

The objective of this research is to present the results of implementing an integrated quality assurance model and the analysis of its impact on the accreditation of university professional courses at a private Peruvian university, with several campuses nationwide. With this, the researcher wishes to contribute with a grain of sand in overcoming the low rates of progress in the Licensing and Accreditation processes reported by SINEACE; as well as the minimal positioning that Peruvian universities have in global rankings and ratings. Finally, the results obtained are relevant as it is required that the quality standards of university higher education in our country take off to reach competitive levels in the region and in the world. The methodology used was based on an observational, analytical, retrospective longitudinal study of 52 professional career accreditation processes, from a Peruvian private university, during the years 2017-2019 and 2020-2022. The difference between both periods is the implementation of an integrated quality assurance model, based on its own quality model that, according to the data analyzed, resulted in a positive impact on the accreditation processes of professional careers. concluding that implementing the integrated quality assurance model through the operational, tactical and strategic levels also facilitated the general involvement of the institution in the accreditation and quality processes in general, favoring organizational conditions, the most collaborative role of the quality office and the greatest support and support of the Senior Management of the University.

Quality Assurance Model for Breast Cancer Prognostication Using the Modified Magee Equations.

The Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) is a widely used test that provides prognostic information on the likelihood of disease recurrence and predictive information on the benefit of chemotherapy in early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Despite its widespread use, quality assurance of the RS does not receive the same level of scrutiny as other tests, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemistry. To use modified Magee equations to calculate Magee score (MS) as a quality check of RS. The MS is an easily accessible prognostic model that uses histopathologic and immunohistochemical criteria. We identified cases where the RS and MS differed by 10 points or more or were in different risk categories. These instances were considered significant discordances. MS was presented along with RS at multidisciplinary tumor boards and all discrepancies were discussed to determine clinical significance and appropriate next steps. Twenty-five of 155 cases (16.1%) had discrepancies between RS and MS. Of these 25 cases, 3 (12%) had problems with either the RS or the histopathologic interpretation. Among the cases with concordant RS and MS, no RS or interpretive problems were identified. Use of the MS as a quality control check for the RS can help ensure appropriate treatment decisions in breast cancer patients. Pathologists can play a key role in ensuring the quality of molecular-based prognostic scores by using histopathologic models to ensure accurate risk stratification and improve clinical outcomes.

Development of American Association for Thoracic Surgery Quality Gateway outcome models, analytics, and visualizations for quality assurance

ObjectiveThe study objective was to develop comprehensive quality assurance models for procedural outcomes after adult cardiac surgery. MethodsBased on 52,792 cardiac operations in adults performed in 19 hospitals of 3 high-performing hospital systems, models were developed for operative mortality (n = 1271), stroke (n = 895), deep sternal wound infection (n = 122), prolonged intubation (6182), renal failure (1265), prolonged postoperative stay (n = 5418), and reoperations (n = 1693). Random forest quantile classification, a method tailored for challenges of rare events, and model-free variable priority screening were used to identify predictors of events. ResultsA small set of preoperative variables was sufficient to model procedural outcomes for virtually all cardiac operations, including older age; advanced symptoms; left ventricular, pulmonary, renal, and hepatic dysfunction; lower albumin; higher acuity; and greater complexity of the planned operation. Geometric mean performance ranged from .63 to .76. Calibration covered large areas of probability. Continuous risk factors provided high information content, and their association with outcomes was visualized with partial plots. These risk factors differed in strength and configuration among hospitals, as did their risk-adjusted outcomes according to patient risk as determined by counterfactual causal inference within a framework of virtual (digital) twins. ConclusionsBy using a small set of variables and contemporary machine-learning methods, comprehensive models for procedural operative mortality and major morbidity after adult cardiac surgery were developed based on data from 3 exemplary hospital systems. They provide surgeons, their patients, and hospital systems with 21st century tools for assessing their risks compared with these advanced hospital systems and improving cardiac surgery quality.

Cloud-Based Institutional Quality Assurance Model for a Local Higher Education Institution Using Data Mining Techniques

This study presents a Cloud-Based Institutional Quality Assurance Model for Local Higher Education Institutions (LHEIs). It utilizes advanced data mining techniques and custom data models that enhance the monitoring, assessment, and improvement of quality assurance processes through the utilization of cloud computing infrastructure in a developed system that offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, empowering policymakers to make data-driven decisions and to efficiently analyze vast amounts of data collected from various sources and be guided by algorithms. The findings advance quality assurance methodologies and offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in higher education.

Erratum: Preliminary study on the design of a predictive structural model for daily quality assurance in proton beams

Erratum: Preliminary study on the design of a predictive structural model for daily quality assurance in proton beams

Critical assessment of the Lesotho minimum accreditation standards for Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

ABSTRACT In 2021 Lesotho adopted a quality assurance framework for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for higher education sector. Globally, governments use quality assurance frameworks as strategies to address productivity, efficiency and effectiveness within the higher education sector. By adopting ODL discourses, this paper critically assessed the adequacy of the Lesotho Minimum Accreditation Standards for Open and Distance Learning framework in responding to the needs of students within the sector. From the findings it emerged that the framework used largely strategic indicators as aspects of quality failing to apply pointers that reflect authentic learning. It has been argued that the strategic indicators do not necessarily address the issues of learning. Furthermore, the framework failed to address central issues in ODL. Couched in general and discreet terms, the framework ran short of addressing issues of quality within the contexts of ODL. While it is generally acknowledged that quality assurance models have taken centre stage globally, it is important that such a framework should be responsive to the educational milieu of the country and, in particular, to the nature of ODL. The paper recommended that the quality assurance framework for ODL should identify the essences of ODL and develop key components to inform implementation thereof.

A Proposed Quality Measurements for Information Systems Development Projects

The objective of this paper is to propose quality measurements for ISDP to achieve higher quality levels for information systems development projects (ISDP). The complexity of assessing information system quality stems from its many important dimensions. This paper presents important quality concepts and fundamentals related to ISDP. In addition, it presents the life cycle, phases, and activities of ISDP. Depending on the proposed steps and a combination of statistical techniques, this paper introduces a proposed quality assurance model for ISDP activities. This proposed model can be used for building a software tool for the quality assurance of ISDP.

Model of Quality Assurance and Audit Quality Based on International Standards for Internal Auditing

Purpose — This study aimed to address the concept of internal audit quality and how to enhance and improve the quality of internal audit units in hospitals by identifying and designing a proposed new model based on the International Auditing Standard 1300 to ensure quality assurance and improve transparency and accountability. Design/methodology/approach — This study aims to achieve these objectives. Qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews using an inductive approach were adopted to cover the theoretical aspect of research and the deductive approach to develop a new model for a quality assurance and transparency program in hospitals in Iraq Mosul City. Findings —The findings of this internal audit division do not cover all hospital activities. In addition, it is not possible to apply standardized audit programs to the various units. Rather, the type of activities carried out by these units should be considered, whether service, economic, commercial, or agricultural. Thus, many factors improve the quality of internal auditing related to work procedures in the unit. Among the most important recommendations is implementing a quality assurance and transparency program in these hospitals to raise the quality of internal auditing and carry out its activities efficiently and effectively. Practical implications —This proposal can serve as a guide for later use by those authorities as they evaluate and determine the strength of the internal audit of any establishment, company, or governmental institution. Therefore, hospitals must apply the paragraphs that are not included in the program, and there should be greater interest in the paragraphs that are applied in a weak way to reach real integration of the quality assurance and improvement program, which enhances the quality of internal auditing on all hospital activities. Originality/value —This paper describes a quality assurance and transparency program in these hospitals to improve internal audits and efficiency.

Preliminary study on the design of a predictive structural model for daily quality assurance in proton beams

Preliminary study on the design of a predictive structural model for daily quality assurance in proton beams

Evolution of quality assurance in higher education from INQAAHE GGP to ISGs − Are quality assurance agencies in Asia ready to the emerging modules?

PurposeIn 2022, the International Network for Quality Assurance (QA) Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) published the new guidelines by adding three QA modules in response to the changing higher education landscape. The paper aims to investigate the transformative focus of quality assurance in higher education globally as well as Asian response to three new QA modules according to the INQAAHE ISGs.Design/methodology/approachThe research conducted a quantitative approach for data collection. An on-line survey was conducted to perceive QA practices, perceptions toward new emerging QA modules and challenges encountered. In total, there were 26 responses from 18 territories with 22 QA agencies. A total of 13 out of them have a national qualifications framework in place.FindingsThree are three major findings in the study. First, national policy and criteria and standards in distance education have been developed in the majority of Asian nations. Second, non-signatories of the Tokyo Convention had a higher proportion of having related policies, regulations and criteria in CBHE and distance education. Third, national policies and regulations; and lack of professional staff are two common challenges implementing QA in new types of providers.Originality/valueThe findings are of value for policymakers, QA agencies and universities to advocate the new QA model as a systematic approach in response to changing higher education landscape in the post pandemic era.

The Meta-Debrief Club: An embedded model for ongoing faculty development and quality assurance

The Meta-Debrief Club: An embedded model for ongoing faculty development and quality assurance

Revisiting quality assurance and qualification recognition of cross-border higher education during pandemic – does physical mobility matter from an Asian perspective

PurposeThe 2020 pandemic disrupted traditional student mobility and forced a larger majority of transnational programmes to switch to a virtual or hybrid mode, including joint and double degree programmes. Therefore, this study aims to perceive the linkage between quality assurance (QA) and delivery modes of cross-border higher education (CBHE) in Asia before and during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThrough an online survey and semi-structured interviews, the process by which top 200 ranked universities in the 2022 QS global ranking responded to QA and qualification issues of joint/dual degree programs in conjunction with delivery modes was explored.FindingsThe study has discovered that most respondents from universities, to some extent, tended to be positive about the effectiveness of hybrid delivery of the joint/dual degree programs, even if they still preferred the physical mode to alternatives. Either “divergence” or “responsiveness” QA modes were not applied appropriately in most joint/dual degree programs of the selected universities during the pandemic. Moreover, a fair, transparent and convergent quality and qualification system should be established to facilitate agility and responsiveness of CBHE.Originality/valueThe findings are of value for policymakers, QA agencies and universities to advocate the new QA model for CBHE as a systematic approach in response to changing higher education landscape in the post-pandemic era.

Competitive intelligence quality assurance model: A property sector case

Competitive intelligence (CI) improves the quality of products and services, decision-making, and quality of life (Ram & Zhang, 2021). However, decision-makers are not satisfied with the quality of CI (Kordestani et al., 2021). Enterprises lack clarity and fail to ensure the quality of CI (Alshammakh & Azmin, 2021). Studies that previously attempted to resolve CI quality problems were limited in scope and focused too much on the quality of information rather than the overall CI quality. The purpose of this study is to test and validate an empirical CI quality assurance model, which will aid in the quality assurance of CI. The research was quantitative in nature and employed a questionnaire to collect data. The study randomly sampled 385 property practitioner firms from a population of 5226. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to describe and assess the reliability and validity of the CI quality assurance model. The research identified six factors that influence the quality assurance of CI, namely, decision-makers, process and structure, organisational awareness and culture, and feedback, planning and direction, information collection, sorting, capturing, and storage, information analysis, and organisational culture, feedback, and CI dissemination. The research also confirmed that the model is valid and reliable.

Quality Assurance model for LMS to facilitate Education and Equality

The integration of quality assurance (QA) metrics into a hypothesized Learning Management System (LMS) designed for higher education is critically examined in this study. This investigation’s main goal is to evaluate the crucial elements required to guarantee students’ educational excellence, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The paper carefully assesses current LMS systems, identifies important difficulties, and suggests useful improvements to address these problems using a thorough research process. The results highlight the critical value of a thorough QA framework that supports rich learning opportunities, creates equitable chances, and improves skill acquisition. For students to receive a top-notch education and efficient service, the incorporation of QA metrics into LMS systems becomes essential. This work emphasizes the importance of ongoing research projects to look into the use and effectiveness of the suggested model in the real world, with the ultimate goal of continuously raising the standard of online learning.

Quality Assurance Model for Non-formal Institutions at Community Learning Center Al-Madinah, Kediri City

This article examines the quality assurance model implemented by Community Learning Center (CLC) Al-Madinah in Kediri City. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Research data was collected through observation, interviews and documentation techniques. Research data was analyzed using an interactive analysis model. The research results show that CLC Al-Madinah implements an internal quality assurance model that is participatory, collaborative and sustainable. This internal quality assurance model includes four stages, namely planning, implementation, assessment and improvement. This internal quality assurance model has several advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered and improved by CLC Al-Madinah and other non-formal institutions. This research provides several recommendations for CLC Al-Madinah and other non-formal institutions in improving the quality of educational services. This study also has several limitations that need to be addressed by future research.

IMPLEMENTASI MANAJEMEN BERORIENTASI MUTU PADA STAI TEBING TINGGI DELI

quality and quality of higher education. Higher Education Quality is carried out by implementing quality assurance activities with the PDCA model, namely: 1) Plan (Planning), 2) Do (Implementation), 3) Check (Examination) and 4) Action (Action). By applying the quality assurance model, the quality management of the High Quality Regulation can be monitored both planning, processes, outputs and outcomes. This type of research uses qualitative research, namely research that uses data analysis, which is information or information obtained based on informants, This is in line with the opinion of Bogdan and Taylor, that qualitative research is a research process that produces descriptive data in the form of written or oral words from people (informants) and observed behaviors (based on interviews, and documentation). Data collection techniques use techniques whose relevance is related to qualitative research (in terms of documentation, and interviews). Meanwhile, data analysis techniques are carried out to see the extent of the picture and facts that can be contained in the research results. Based on the results of the study, it was obtained that the implementation of quality-oriented management at STAI Tebing Tinggi Deli can be seen from the following aspects, curriculum aspects, special service aspects, facilities and infrastructure aspects, partnership aspects. Based on the conditions at STAI Tebing Tinggi Deli, an internal institution is needed that functions to carry out quality assurance for the implementation of activities. With the running of internal quality assurance, it is hoped that the quality majamen service process will be of high quality in the future.

Quality management system in vocational education of the Republic of Belarus: Improvement strategy

Introduction. In contemporary sociocultural conditions of the state and society development, the opinions about education quality among employers, teachers, students, parents and education authorities are polar opposite. This leads to a peculiar goal-setting crisis in strategies and programmes for the development of vocational education. The contradiction between the declaration of goals in the field of quality of education in strategic programme documents and the attempt to achieve them exclusively through the control function determines the need to improve the quality management system of vocational education in the Republic of Belarus in modern conditions.Aim. The present research aims to theoretically justify and develop the strategy for improving the quality management system of vocational education in the Republic of Belarus in contemporary conditions.Methodology and research methods. The methodological framework is based on the provisions of the holistic approach to examine the problem of ensuring the quality of labour force training from all angles, to determine the techniques of forecasting and planning the development of the vocational education system holistically. A comprehensive study of quality management in vocational education was carried out using the methods of scientific and methodological literature analysis, international practice, including the European model for quality assurance of vocational education and training, national and sectoral development programmes, survey methods (questionnaires, interviews) and foresight sessions with the participation of educational institution representatives, employers and sectoral government bodies. To achieve the goal of the study, an analysis of the existing system for ensuring the quality of vocational education was performed through a survey by the following groups: 17 representatives of Republican Institute for Vocational Education (hereinafter referred to as RIPO) and the Ministry of Education, 21 representatives of the head education departments of regional executive committees, under whose subordination the surveyed colleges operate. Apart from that among the participants were 532 heads of 266 educational institutions implementing educational programmes of vocational and secondary special education (hereinafter referred to as the college). In addition, 75 representatives of the mechanical engineering, construction, and agriculture sectors took part in the foresight sessions. The results of the survey and foresight sessions became a source of information for developing the structure and content of a strategy for improving the quality management system of vocational education in the Republic of Belarus.Results. In the course of the research, the determinants of improving quality management system of vocational education were identified: established practice for ensuring the quality of vocational education, expressed exclusively by the functions of monitoring the implementation of state requirements of educational institutions and specialities inspected during accreditation every five years; lack of criteria and indicators absence in college development plans that would allow determining the effectiveness of educational activities taking into account the requirements of the state, as well as the future expectations of employers and students from various target groups (school graduates, adults, people with disabilities); diversity in the goal setting of participants in educational relations and ideas about the quality of education. The strategy for quality management improvement of vocational education, including a set of criteria and indicators of the quality of vocational education in the context of its modernisation, was theoretically substantiated and developed.Scientific novelty. Empirically, the fundamental ideas of a holistic approach to the quality of professional education management in the context of its modernisation was identified and articulated. The provisions of the system-activity approach were supplemented with a motivational, value-based and semantic component in relation to the participants in educational relations activities in the process of modelling and implementing an integral quality management system for professional education. A set of indicators was developed and decomposed into criteria and indicators of the quality of vocational education.Practical significance. The developed methodological foundations and strategy for improving the quality management system of vocational education including a set of criteria and indicators will be used by the Ministry of Education and regional education authorities in the process of collecting and processing data on the effectiveness of educational activities of vocational education institutions of the Republic of Belarus in real time. The further application of the developed approaches will facilitate the adoption of management decision-making to ensure and guarantee the vocational education quality at the levels of educational institutions, local and republican government bodies, taking into account students’ and employers’ expectations.