Status of quality management systems in computed tomography facilities in Ghana

Purpose To assess the status of quality management systems in computed tomography (CT) facilities in Ghana. Methods A questionnaire and quality control measurements were used to assess the status of quality management systems in CT facilities in Ghana. Thirty-one CT facilities took part in the study. The evaluation included quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and quality improvement (QI). Results Seventeen (54.8%) of the 31 CT facilities had a QA-QC committee in place to ensure patient protection. Fifteen facilities (48.4%) had documented protocols for CT scanning. Ten facilities (32.3%) lacked QC assessment and recordkeeping after notable repairs. Regular QC check records were available in 20 (64.5%) facilities. All scanners passed the QC assessments; however, none of the facilities had established local diagnostic reference levels. Discussion Quality management systems in some Ghanian CT facilities are unsatisfactory; not all facilities have the needed infrastructure in place for quality management system purposes. Conclusion Quality management systems in Ghanaian CT facilities should be strengthened to optimize patient protection and safety with acceptable image quality.