Process improvement: what is it, why is it important, and how is it done?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to provide enough information so beginners can feel comfortable starting and completing a simple radiology process improvement project.

CONCLUSION

Medical practices (including radiology departments) need to address outstanding quality and safety issues that threaten their patients. Addressing these issues improves patient care and operational efficiency. We provide a review of our approach to process improvement and the established improvement methods. Many organizations and companies are available to support medical practices as they enter this field.