Image Rejection Analysis

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Initiative Type

Audit

Data Collection

Education and Training

Service Improvement

Status

Initiate

Added

13 October 2023

Last updated

13 November 2023

Summary

This project will allow for the performing of a monthly image rejection analysis for each region of interest (ROI), such as chest, pelvis or hand within the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) Medical Imaging Department (DEM, ACC, Main X-Ray).

The image rejection data will be displayed in a table format in the respective areas within the department.

Data trends that are identified will be further investigated and education will be provided to the department to improve rejection rates for those areas.

Prior to this project SCUH had no data that demonstrated the department rejection rates, thus there was limited awareness within the department of any improvements that can be made.

Key dates

Oct 2023

Dec 2025

Implementation sites

Sunshine Coast University Hospital

Aim

analyse the image rejection rate within the SCUH Medical Imaging Department to assess if the rejection rate is in line with national standards
determine trends and commonalities in rejection reasons to establish departmental learning opportunities and assist with improving department performance and reducing patient radiation dose

Benefits

provide learning opportunities for the department in areas where image rejection rates are high to improve department practice
improve department awareness regarding image rejection rates

Background

A rejected image in radiography is an un-diagnostic image that lacks the necessary information to aid clinical diagnosis due to its poor quality.

A core element of a radiographer's role is the decision on whether an image is sufficient for diagnosis, or if a repeat examination is needed.

Image reject analysis (RA) is a quality control process and an important component of quality assurance programmes to measure the efficiency of radiology departments by determining the rates and reasons for rejected images.