QatchAll is a Web-based, database-backed issue-tracking system based on radiology case tracking that is integrated with the hospital's enterprise-wide authentication system and with its RIS (Centricity, GE Healthcare). Accessible via RIS or PACS, QatchAll enables radiologists to submit criticisms and comments efficiently without interrupting their workflow, links them to the examination being viewed, and routes them into the most relevant "issues" queue for review by the appropriate technologist manager.

Launched in January 2011, the system was analyzed during its first three months of use. Financial incentives were offered to encourage radiologists to try the software.

Presenter Dr. Tarik Alkasab, PhD, an imaging informatics and operations fellow, said that during this time, 117 radiologists submitted 1,312 issues, of which 21.2% were to praise technologists for their good techniques. Another 14.9% were related to administrative issues, leaving 63.9% relating to technical quality issues.

A centralized database enables the radiology department to track data by clinical location or modality. During the 90-day study period, more issues were recorded relating to MRI and PET exams than to CT, ultrasound, or x-ray exams, Alkasab said.

As the database grows, it is expected to provide a foundation for future quality improvement projects. It will also serve as a way to compare improvements or deficiencies between defined time periods.