You may be aware of or have heard about the name change of the Imaging Standard, or you may be totally oblivious. Either way I would like to tell you a little bit about it and why it is a positive step for all services.
The imaging standard is now known as the Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI), it has a new logo which you can see at the top of the page. Before you begin to panic the standard itself has NOT changed only the name.
Why the change then?
The QSI sets national quality criteria for imaging services; enabling them and you to evaluate performance and make improvements (where needed) to meet and continually improve against the set criteria.
The former name of the standard (ISAS) was not indicative of its relevance and importance to all services, regardless of their accreditation status, in delivering safe, patient centred care. Both the SCoR and the RCR feel the new name better reflects the overall ethos and philosophy that underpins the standard.
Meeting the standard can be evidenced by accreditation through the independent United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) as normal.
For those of you who are accredited under ISAS, your accreditation status will not change due to the re-naming and they will send you a new certificate with the QSI logo on it.
The best thing about change is when it results in an improvement, the colleges are enhancing the support they provide to enable services to meet the standard in a planned staged approach.
Each stage will identify what support is available and allows you to build your evidence at a pace you can manage, as ever I will be available for help, support and advice whatever stage you feel your service is at.
In order to reflect that my new title will be Quality Improvement Partner and I look forward to working alongside you as work through the standard to develop your service and provide the best patient care possible.
All of this information is available on the new web page www.sor.org/qsi, where you can download the frequently asked questions and a brochure explaining the changes.
Over the next couple of months the supporting information will be added to and will include ‘how to’ webinars and study days as they are arranged.
If you have any queries or questions don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Chris Woodgate
Quality Improvement Partner RCR/SCoR.
www.sor.org/qsi
www.rcr.ac.uk/qsi