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The ASRT is a professional organization with more than 149,000 medical imaging and radiation therapy members. The organization’s mission is to advance the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality of patient care. The ASRT con-ducts related research, provides curricula and support to radiologic science educators, develops position statements and practice standards, publishes peer-reviewed journals and offers online courses, Directed Reading articles and other continuing education opportunities to its members.

The ASRT supports certification standards for all technical personnel who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy state that technologists should be educationally prepared and clinically competent in all aspects of the work they perform and that technologists should be appropriately certified in all modalities they practice.

Purpose

The ASRT Foundation’s Health Care Industry Advisory Council (HCIAC) includes representatives of important companies in the medical imaging and radiation oncology industries who work together to advance patient care. Members meet annually, and occasionally form subcommittees to discuss significant issues in the radiologic sciences. The HCIAC Subcommittee on Patient Safety and Quality in Medical Imaging met Nov. 7, 2012, in Albuquerque, N.M. The ASRT met with the committee of radiologic technologists, many of whom work in the corporate sector of the industry, with the goal of collaboratively improving patient safety and quality in medical imaging. They discussed the current state of medical imaging as well as challenges associated with providing consistently high-quality care and education on equipment and new and emerging technologies. Committee members also discussed the desired state for radiologic technologist workplaces to ensure consistent quality in patient care and to maximize education and understanding of equipment and new technology. This white paper and its recommendations are the direct result of the committee’s input. The primary focus of the committee and resulting recommendations is quality and safety in CT, com -puted radiography/digital radiography, along with all medical imaging specialties.

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