Improve Care
Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging
Appropriate medical imaging contributes towards improved patient care and ensures vital imaging is available when most needed.
Canadian studies suggest that up to 20% of medical imaging is inappropriate or non-essential, potentially exposing patients to harm from additional testing, unnecessary radiation exposure and unnecessary anxiety caused by the investigation of false positives.1
That’s why we launched Essential Imaging, an initiative aimed at helping teams initiate, implement and spread best practices for appropriate medical imaging in five common areas in primary and emergency care:
- Uncomplicated headache
- Minor head injuries
- Suspected pulmonary embolism
- Low back pain
- Moderate to severe osteoarthritis in hip or knee joints
About Our Essential Imaging Initiative
Essential Imaging was a quality improvement initiative to help care providers, team leaders and staff members partner with patients to successfully initiate, test, implement and spread evidence-based best practices for appropriate medical imaging in five common areas in primary and emergency care.
Supported by the BC Ministry of Health and informed by clinical practice, experience and expert contributions, we provided evidence-based and locally tested tools and resources designed to accelerate change as well as coaching and support for participating teams.
The virtual action series took place from March to July 2021 and featured interactive webinars to share knowledge and techniques on embedding appropriateness into everyday work.
Learn from Past Webinars
Getting Started with Essential Imaging
Getting Started Kit
This Getting Started Kit aims to help care providers, team leaders and staff members partner with patients to successfully initiate, test, implement and spread evidence-based best practices for appropriate medical imaging in five common areas in primary and emergency care.
Download the Getting Started Kit
Driver Diagram
A driver diagram is a visual framework that helps us to achieve our goal of reducing inappropriate medical imaging. It breaks down the overall aim into primary drivers, secondary drivers and tangible ideas that are ready for testing and implementation.
Download the Driver DiagramClick here to find tools to support essential imaging!
Medical Imaging During COVID-19
Looking for information and resources about medical imaging during COVID-19? We’ve helped create resources to support patients and providers. Check them out here!
Upcoming Events
Quality Forum 2022
May 31 | 0900 – June 2 | 1700
References
1. Min A, Chan VWY, Aristizabal R, Peramaki ER, Agulnik DB, Strydom N, et al. Volume of imaging for low back pain in an urban emergency department. J Am Coll Radiol. 2017;14:889-899.
Key Contact
Dallas Smith
Executive Director, Health System Improvement & Engagement
dsmith@bcpsqc.ca
613.513.6404