Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

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What factors impact reader variability the most? New research offers insight

A new paper in Radiology explores factors that can lead to reader variability in CT imaging, from the radiologist’s experience level and subspecialty to navigation patterns and time spent interpreting. 

Radiation oncology relatively low in ‘hazardous attitudes,’ although ‘macho’ makes the radar

The Federal Aviation Administration assesses pilots for five “hazardous attitudes” that may forewarn of risky behaviors in the air. Therapeutic radiology researchers have adapted the FAA scale for radiation oncologists making treatment decisions.

Formidable tumors tamed by genetically modified … herpes?

A genetically engineered iteration of the herpes simplex virus has beaten back several advanced cancers in an early trial.

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New lesion measurement assesses treatment responses more accurately than RECIST

Researchers believe the new method of assessing treatment responses could pave the way for developing new cancer therapeutics.

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Experts call for guidelines limiting interpretations during busy shifts, citing a reduction in error rates

When exam volumes increase, so too does the risk of diagnostic errors in interpretations, many of which can be clinically significant.

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Experts concerned with radiation doses in young women call for stricter ordering criteria for CT exams

Experts found that compared to the average effective doses of organs, breast doses were higher, representing increased risks of breast cancer for women. 

Could a repurposed drug break a centurylong stalemate in the war on cancer?

A pharmaceutical compound approved 21 years ago to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women is showing fresh promise as a therapy for glioblastomas. 

4D ultrasound shows preborn humans ‘laughing’ over carrots, ‘crying’ over kale

Researchers in the U.K. have documented fetuses smiling when exposed to sweet flavors and frowning over bitter tastes.