Zeng Aiping, Zhang Rui, Ma Li, Tao Xixi, Gao Luying, Li Jianchu, Wang Hongyan, Jiang Yuxin
Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing, China.
BMJ Open Qual. 2025 Sep 3;14(3):e003349. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2025-003349.
There are only a limited number of countries systematically tracking the quality of ultrasound at the national and institutional levels. Our study presents an example of a national, data-driven approach to ultrasound medicine quality measurement and improvement through indicators.
This study aims to establish a nationwide, indicator-based framework for measuring and improving the quality of ultrasound medicine in China. By developing and applying quality indicators, we seek to systematically evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement and guide data-driven quality enhancement efforts across institutions.
To enhance ultrasound quality and improve quality management, a leadership team was established. Pertinent quality indicators were developed as evaluation metrics. Quality improvement programmes were designed following the identification of key causes of suboptimal performance. A Plan-Do-Study-Act method was applied. Nationwide sample surveys were conducted annually to collect and document the relevant quality data. 10 ultrasound quality indicators were selected and comparisons of data from 2020 to 2023 were made. χ tests were used to evaluate statistical differences.
The ultrasound instruments quality inspection rate, the completion rate of notification of ultrasound critical findings within 10 min, the qualification rate of ultrasound reports remained and the completion rate of inpatient ultrasound examinations within 48 hours remained consistently high. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System utilisation rate of breast lesions in ultrasound reports, the concordance rate of ultrasound diagnoses, the accuracy rate of ultrasound diagnosis of breast lesions and the concordance rate of ultrasound diagnosis of ≥50% carotid stenosis all improved and showed an upward trend.
Indicator-based data can drive nationwide measurement, improvement and monitoring of ultrasound medicine quality. The use of indicators supports sustained efforts to improve quality and safety in ultrasound services.
只有少数国家在国家和机构层面系统地跟踪超声质量。我们的研究展示了一种通过指标对超声医学质量进行测量和改进的国家层面、数据驱动的方法。
本研究旨在建立一个基于指标的全国性框架，用于测量和提高中国超声医学的质量。通过制定和应用质量指标，我们试图系统地评估绩效，确定改进领域，并指导各机构以数据为驱动的质量提升工作。
为提高超声质量并改善质量管理，成立了一个领导团队。制定了相关质量指标作为评估标准。在确定表现欠佳的关键原因后，设计了质量改进计划。应用了计划-执行-研究-行动方法。每年进行全国性抽样调查，以收集和记录相关质量数据。选择了10项超声质量指标，并对2020年至2023年的数据进行了比较。使用χ检验评估统计差异。
超声仪器质量检查率、超声危急值报告10分钟内完成率、超声报告合格率以及住院患者超声检查48小时内完成率一直保持较高水平。超声报告中乳腺病变的乳腺影像报告和数据系统使用率、超声诊断符合率、乳腺病变超声诊断准确率以及≥50%颈动脉狭窄超声诊断符合率均有所提高并呈上升趋势。
基于指标的数据可推动全国范围内对超声医学质量的测量、改进和监测。指标的使用有助于持续努力提高超声服务的质量和安全性。
