Abstract:

Objective: To assess the value of ultrasound images and reports scoring system for quality control in clinical ultrasound practice.
Methods: Ultrasound images and reports scoring system was established and implemented in the Department of Medical Ultrasound at West China Hospital of Sichuan University in 2014. The scoring system along with formulated corresponding management measures was used for quality control of ultrasound examination and clinical practice assessment. The quantitative scoring results were summarized and analyzed.
Results: Through the quantitative assessment of the quality of the images and reports of ultrasound examinations, the total report score in our department had risen from 4.93 in 2014 to 4.98 in 2018. “Inconsistency between description and conclusion” accounted for 46.47% of all report errors, which was the most common report error. The total image score also increased slightly to ≥ 4.98 during the past three years. The most common image error was “not saving color Doppler images”, which accounted for 84.48% of all image errors. The total score of images was higher than that of text reports.
Conclusion: It is important to establish the ultrasound images and reports scoring system for quality control of ultrasound practice. Using quantitative scores for ultrasound images and reports can improve the quality control of ultrasound examination and strengthen the management of clinical operation.

Key words: Ultrasound, Image, Report, Quality control, Clinical management