ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that the clinical aspects of radiologic practice can indeed be studied using the tools of Total Quality Management (TQM) and improvement can be achieved as a result. It discusses some of the aspects of applying the principles of TQM to the clinical practice of diagnostic radiology. The process of detection includes the sub-process of exam production and the sub-process of exam interpretation. Detection depends on the skill of the radiologist to detect an abnormality and correctly interpret its relationship to the presence or absence of breast cancer. The chapter focuses on the accuracy and consistency of interpretations and efforts that may be undertaken to improve them. A team of radiologists was formed to tackle the problem. The team included the radiologists who demonstrated a need for improvement. It was preferable for them to participate in making the change rather than having it imposed upon them.
