Strategic planning for the development of routine performance (constancy) testing programmes for diagnostic projection XRI devices : a case study involving a major tertiary healthcare facility

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of the study involved the formulation of a strategic plan for the further development of the quality assurance section of the radiology department of a major tertiary healthcare facility with respect to routine performance testing programmes for diagnostic projection X-Ray Imaging devices. Research Design: The methodology involved SWOT based strategic planning. The SWOT themes were derived through a process of document analysis. The documents analyzed were published authoritative documents such as IEC standards and IPEM (UK) Report 91, and relevant device quality control associated documents from the facility under study. Results: The results of this study consisted of the SWOT themes which were relevant for the formulation of the required strategy. A strategic plan including mission and vision statements and actions for reduction of gaps identified following a gap analysis was proposed. Conclusions: This study produced the first strategic plan for the further development of the QA section or the radiological department under study with respect to the implementation of routine performance testing programmes for diagnostic projection X-ray imaging devices. It is hoped that the plan will provide the necessary impetus to help the stakeholder involved make this aspiration a reality.