Launch of Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) scheme: elevating standards for better patient care

The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and College of Radiographers (CoR) have, at the heart of their purpose as charities and professional associations, a commitment to supporting the imaging workforce to deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care. With that in mind, the Colleges are delighted to confirm the launch of our new QSI Quality Mark scheme, designed specifically with the needs of our busy front-line teams and their patients in mind. Our approach, led by, and for, imaging professionals, marks a significant departure from traditional accreditation methods, promising a more effective and sustainable path to quality improvement in imaging services.

Why a professionally led process?

The new QSI Quality Mark is grounded in the belief that those directly involved in patient care hold the key to real and lasting improvements in healthcare quality. The RCR and CoR, as professional bodies, possess an intrinsic understanding of the complexities and challenges unique to delivering diagnostic imaging services. This perspective ensures that the Quality Mark process is not only objective and relevant, but also empathic to the needs of both service providers and patients.

A commitment to long-term excellence

The RCR and CoR are deeply invested in the long-term health and welfare of the imaging workforce and the patients they serve. The QSI Quality Mark is more than a mere assessment; it is a comprehensive support system designed to foster ongoing quality enhancement. By leveraging the collective expertise and experiences of clinicians, the process aims to create a culture of continuous learning and sharing of best practice. It will make best use of scarce resources to support innovation, improvement and systemic change in what is currently a challenging and demanding working environment.

Welcoming you in

We are grateful to the great many colleagues who have been in touch with us since we initially announced our plans for the QSI Quality Mark in 2023, and we are delighted to confirm what you can expect over the coming weeks and months.

• During March and April we’ll be recruiting for members to join our new QSI Quality Mark Committee, which will have oversight of the scheme and of the measures we have in place to support effective decision-making.
• We’ll also be recruiting a new Chair for our QSI Global Expert Reference Group.
• During April we’ll also commence recruitment of expert and lay reviewers who we’ll train and support to work with us on delivery of the QSI Quality Mark.
•  From mid-April 2024, you’ll be able to join our QSI Hub to support your service’s journey towards achieving the QSI Quality Mark.
• We’re excited to welcome you to our in-person launch event at UKIO on 10th June 2024, and encourage you to join us at the QSI stand if you have any questions about the scheme and how your service can get involved.
• We’ll be hosting QSI Leads at the RCR on 11th July 2024, and warmly invite you to celebrate with us. Registration for this event will open shortly via the RCR website.