The effective standards of practice regarding the administration within a radiology department

Abstract

This study investigates the effective standards of practice within radiology department administration, focusing on evidence-based decision-making processes. Conducted at Malta's Mater Dei Hospital (MDH), the study addresses the lack of in-house, peer reviewed studies available to inform administrative protocols within the Medical Imaging Department (MID). Utilizing a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA), the research reviews current standards in radiology administration to enhance patient care, efficiency, and operational consistency. The REA highlights challenges in adopting evidence-based practices, such as resource limitations, technological constraints, and varying stakeholder perspectives. Findings reveal that improvements in patient care, safety culture, infection control, reporting standards, and imaging protocols are central to advancing departmental administration. The study proposes targeted recommendations for MDH, including comprehensive quality management systems, enhanced training for radiographers, and standardized protocols for administrative consistency. The study underscores the need for integrating research-backed insights into local practices to ensure MID maintains high standards of service delivery, ultimately contributing to evidence-based management practices within Malta's radiology services.