More than 40 million examinations are carried out in the NHS in England in 2014, putting imaging services at the heart of modern medicine. Millions of admissions, outpatient appointments and A&E attendances rely on imaging services at some stage.
In 2012, the Trust’s X-Ray Medical Imaging department sought accreditation to the Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme (ISAS) standard. With a lack of robust document management in terms of SOPs and knowledge management, staff realised that they needed a solution that would enable continuity and consistency in both in terms of controlled documentation.
With quick and easy access to SOPs through Q-Pulse, staff no longer have to hunt around the department for documents or information, nor rely on staff having to pass on their knowledge and expertise with improved knowledge sharing. Staff now also use the system to manage other areas of the department, including clinical trials data, with plans to extend its use in order to further assure the safety and quality of its services.
Benefits
- Enables the demonstration of staff competence with a flexible framework to monitor and analyse staff training and development
- Provides quick and easy access to SOPs with all controlled documentation accessible from a central repository via keyword
- Ensures non-conformities can be raised against non-compliant areas with audits for every area, including patient surveys
- Q-Pulse is also used to assure quality and safety in approaches such as clinical governance and disciplines including laboratory medicine, oncology and pharmacy, as well as wherever compliance is required
Q-Pulse has been excellent for us in helping to achieve our accreditation, as well as our compliance efforts and has been a very important tool for us in our inspections, for example during our CQC visit where it really impressed the inspectors.
Marie Morgan, Quality and Accreditation Co-ordinator, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust