Accreditation, Credentialing, and Quality Improvement in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: A Literature Review

Abstract

There are few regulations regarding facility accreditation and individual credentialing in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), although it is known that the quality of examinations in the field can vary based by the operator. This literature review summarizes the findings from 19 research studies on accreditation, credentialing, and quality improvement and includes illustrative quotes from 23 position papers and 42 editorials. The review uncovered large differences in facility accreditation status based on sonography specialty and geographical area. The findings included many examples of positive correlations between accreditation and improved quality and also a positive correlation between credentialing and improved image quality. The survey studies revealed overwhelming support for accreditation and credentialing. Many articles raised concerns about the unknown quality of sonograms performed in nonaccredited facilities or by uncredentialed sonographers. If facility accreditation and/or individual credentialing could be implemented nationwide in DMS, it may lead to increased quality within the field.

Evaluating the Accreditation Results of Christian Colleges in Indonesia Using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) Model

“…Accreditation research that has been carried out by several previous researchers uses literature review research methods and mixed methods with research results that emphasize accreditation procedures/principles (Amirtharaj et al, 2021), accreditation characteristics (Sorrentino, 2019), and evaluate quality maturity and accreditation readiness (Chen et al, 2018). Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the suitability of the targets of Religious Higher Education with the results of the accreditation assessment, analyze the recommendations given by the evaluators in the results of the accreditation assessment, and produce strategies for the Religious Higher Education in improving the quality of education to have competitiveness.…”

Competency-Based Methods in Adult Cardiac Sonography and its Application to Credentialing

“…Moreover, and unfortunately, sonographer credentialing is not universally mandated. 9,22 Sonography's credentialing organizations and CAAHEP's intent to ensure that competent sonographers are produced to enhance patient care may not be achieved without, at minimum, mandating credentialing. Without a minimum standard to be credentialed, the results and additional assessments mentioned in this study are futile.…”

Quality Improvement Initiatives in Sonography Education: A Review of the Literature

“…A research article published in 2019 highlighted the existing literature on quality improvement in clinical sonography but did not include scholarly research on sonography education. 1 A search of the field uncovered no comprehensive literature reviews on the topic of quality improvement in sonography education. The objective of this current manuscript is to add to the field by compiling and summarizing the contemporary literature on accreditation, credentialing, and quality improvement initiatives in sonography education.…”