Quality Evaluation in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging

This book is an important resource that describes the importance of quality in cardiovascular imaging and how best to optimize an imaging laboratory. Quality in imaging is important in clinical practice as it directly impacts on patients care, and is essential for accreditation and reputation. Throughout this volume, each of the major cardiac imaging modalities (including computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography and echocardiography) is discussed in a structured format by a group of leading experts in the field. Quality Evaluation in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging is designed to help physicians, technologists, technicians, and administrators develop their own quality programs. It is a valuable resource for all individuals interested in establishing high quality cardiac imaging services.

Peter Tilkemeier, MD, MMM is a Professor at the University of South Carolina Greenville and at the Clemson University School of Health Research. He is the Chairperson of the Department of Medicine at the Greenville Health System and responsible for the quality outcomes of this large department of medicine spanning eight hospital campuses. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the ImageGuide imaging registry for the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, charged with the development and clinical implementation of this large non-invasive cardiac imaging registry. Robert C. Hendel, M.D. is currently the Associate Chief of Clinical Cardiology and Director of Cardiac Imaging at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he is a Professor of Medicine and Radiology. He also serves as the Cardiovascular Service Chief and Director of the Cardiac Care Unit at the University of Miami Hospital. Gary Heller, M.D., Ph.D. is Professor of Medicine and Nuclear Imaging at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut. At Hartford Hospital, Director of Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory, and Professor of Medicine at University of Connecticut school of Medicine, Farmington, CT. Dr. Heller received his medical degree and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at Boston City Hospital and University Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. His Cardiovascular Fellowship training was at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts and he was on the faculty of the Harvard University Medical School. Prior to his position in Hartford, Dr. Heller was Associate Professor of Medicine at Brown University, and Director of Nuclear Cardiology at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

Overview.- Technical Considerations .- Image interpretation and Reporting.- Laboratory perspectives: Description for quality imaging for each section.- Developing a quality improvement program.- Preparation for accreditation or re-.- Reporting quality and national/international benchmarks.- Additional quality activities.