Tag Archives: AIUM Accreditation

Navigating the World of Ultrasound: The ABCs of Accreditation

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In the fast-evolving world of healthcare, technological advancements have played a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Ultrasound imaging has made significant strides in ease of use and availability. Ensuring the highest quality standards is where accreditation enters the scene, setting the gold standard for ultrasound practices. In this blog post, we will explore the ABCs of accreditation and understand its importance in the context of ultrasound imaging.

A is for the AIUM: The Beacon of Accreditation

Ultrasound accreditation is at the heart of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Established with the mission to advance the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine, the AIUM has become the trusted source for healthcare professionals seeking accreditation. The AIUM’s comprehensive guidelines set the stage for quality assurance, encompassing everything from equipment specifications to the competence of the personnel operating the ultrasound machines.

The AIUM’s accreditation program acts as a seal of approval, signifying that a facility meets or exceeds the rigorous standards set by the institute. This commitment to excellence ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

B is for Benefits: The Value Proposition of Accreditation

Accreditation offers a myriad of benefits that contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare services. First and foremost, it instills confidence in both healthcare providers and patients. When a facility proudly displays its accreditation credentials, it is a tangible testament to the facility’s commitment to delivering quality care.

Furthermore, the accreditation process encourages continuous improvement. Facilities seeking accreditation undergo thorough evaluations, identifying areas that may need refinement. This self-assessment leads to an ongoing improvement cycle, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.

From a patient’s perspective, choosing an accredited facility ensures they are in capable hands. Accreditation signifies that the healthcare professionals have undergone rigorous training, adhere to industry best practices, and utilize state-of-the-art equipment, all of which contribute to accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

C is for Compliance: Navigating the Accreditation Criteria To achieve and maintain accreditation, healthcare facilities must navigate a set of criteria meticulously outlined by the AIUM. These criteria cover a broad spectrum, ensuring that every facet of ultrasound imaging is held to the highest standards.

  1. Personnel Qualifications: Accreditation requires personnel operating ultrasound equipment to have the necessary education, training, and experience. This criterion ensures that professionals have the expertise to produce accurate and reliable results.
  2. Equipment Specifications: Accredited facilities must adhere to stringent guidelines regarding the specifications of ultrasound equipment. This includes regular calibration and maintenance to guarantee optimal performance.
  3. Image Quality: The core of ultrasound lies in the clarity and accuracy of the images produced. Accreditation demands that facilities consistently achieve high-quality images, promoting precision in diagnosis and treatment.
  4. Patient Safety: Ensuring the safety of patients during ultrasound procedures is a top priority. Accredited facilities implement and adhere to strict safety protocols, minimizing risks and providing a secure environment for both patients and staff.
  5. Record-Keeping and Reporting: Accurate and thorough record-keeping is essential for effective patient care. Accreditation requires facilities to maintain comprehensive records and produce detailed reports, contributing to a seamless continuum of care.

In conclusion, the ABCs of accreditation in ultrasound imaging represent the cornerstone of quality and safety. As technology continues to advance, the AIUM’s accreditation program ensures that healthcare facilities keep pace with these changes while maintaining the highest standards. Choosing an accredited facility not only benefits healthcare providers in terms of professional development but, most importantly, ensures that patients receive the best possible care. So, whether you’re a healthcare professional or a patient seeking ultrasound services, remember the ABCs – because when it comes to quality healthcare, accreditation is the key to unlocking excellence.

Catherine Knight, BS, RDMS, is a Quality of Practice Specialist for the AIUM, and Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the AIUM.

Why Have Your Ultrasound Done at an Accredited Practice?

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Ultrasound scans are being performed everywhere. Not only in the standard radiology department in your local hospital, but also in the emergency room, urgent care clinics, your doctor’s office, and even at the local mall. But are you getting the same value for your money at each of these different sites? I have personally witnessed a very wide variety of skill levels within each of these departments. What can help you identify a reputable ultrasound unit? Look for an accredited ultrasound practice.

Applying for and obtaining your ultrasound accreditation is a vigorous process. It requires that all physician and sonographer staff have earned the appropriate credentials for the scans being performed and that they are up to date on their CME (continued medical education). Studies must be submitted for review to the accrediting team to ensure that the appropriate anatomy is being captured, image quality is optimal, and images are labeled. The ultrasound report is reviewed to confirm that the patient information and required imaging components for the study have been assessed and documented correctly.

Accreditation can help reassure the patient and the referring physician that their selected ultrasound department is aware of and following the current accepted standard guidelines for their exam. This can lead to reduced patient anxiety regarding the quality of the ultrasound scan. The goal is to help ultrasound departments achieve the best imaging possible to improve overall patient care and safety.

Each specialty area has an accreditation system that provides confirmation that an ultrasound department has achieved and is maintaining the current national standards. Each system provides guidelines and learning resources to help departments meet these standards.

Accreditation Systems:

Why is accreditation important? So that images like these are not reported as normal.

The initial scan was done in a physician’s office. The gestational age by the known last menstrual period was 11 weeks, 2 days; however, the crown-rump length (CRL) by ultrasound measured 10 weeks. This pregnancy was re-dated using the ultrasound-estimated delivery date.

At 19 weeks, 6 days, the patient was referred for an anatomy scan and was diagnosed with acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence. This malformation has no calvarium and the fetal brain is exposed to the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid is toxic to the exposed brain and eventually causes the disintegration of this tissue. Exencephaly is a precursor to anencephaly. The absence of the fetal skull (acrania) exposes the brain (exencephaly), which eventually leads to anencephaly. The degenerative process of the brain gives the amniotic fluid an echogenic appearance.

This patient’s maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) was 7.69 MoM (multiple of the median); the cutoff for a normal scan is <2.50 MoM.

Ultrasound technology and image quality have improved tremendously. The accreditation process helps a department discover where its deficiencies are and can provide guidance on how to meet the minimum standards. Further training and education of the Sonographers and Sonologists will lead to improved patient safety and outcomes.

Why pursue an ultrasound-accredited practice? Maybe the better question would be, why not make accreditation mandatory?

Headshot of Jane K. Burns, RDMS

Jane K. Burns, RDMS, is the MFM Ultrasound Manager at Texas Children’s Hospital/Pavilion for Women.

How Our Ultrasound Practice Flourished

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My name is Barbara, and I have been an Ultrasound tech for more than 30 years now. Part of my job for the last 25 years has been to get and keep our labs accredited. We recently changed the accrediting body to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Our initial accrediting body has always been a pleasure to work with, but inside I felt that the AIUM must be more in tune with what our concerns are, being it is strictly ultrasound.

We changed up 2 years ago, and wonderful things started to happen. First, we added more heart views, as, before, only the 4-chamber view was required. We changed that. Many of our younger techs were not proficient with all of the views, so we all pulled together. Our boss let us set up multiple hands-on training sessions from the older, more experienced Sonographers. He let us have as much time as we needed. It was beautiful to watch everyone working together.

Also, as a requirement of our Diagnostic Breast accreditation, every tech in our department got Breast certified; at least 15 techs needed to. Which everyone did willingly. The Radiologist now having to get 15 credits in breast ultrasound, did that willingly too. Everyone was on the same page.

Then what is even more astonishing is our boss came to me and asked if I would set up a quality assurance program. He realized that our exams are so tech-dependent that the techs need a resource to help them grow. And in a busy department, he wanted to make sure they all get what they need to be the best they can be.

As a part of that quality assurance program, management has allowed me to take time in my schedule to review a Sonographer’s ultrasound images. I review at least 30 exams to see a pattern or determine what the sonographer may lack. I then go over my results with the individual tech about image quality, image technique, etc. And, if we noticed the tech may need help in a certain area, we set up a one-on-one or place that tech with a tech that is more experienced to build the less-experienced tech’s confidence and skills.

I am so proud of our management and staff…Thank You, AIUM, for being a catalyst for such good things!!!!

Barbara A. Fennen, RT(M), RDMS, RVT, is a Sonographer at Beebe Healthcare in Rehoboth Beach, DE.