MOC MP Part 4 PQI
Part 4: Practice Quality Improvement (PQI)
The analysis and improvement of medical physics practice is an important aspect of the activities of medical physicists. Through Part 4, MOC also offers a pathway for participation in practice quality improvement (PQI). The PQI initiative is a framework to facilitate improvement of medical care and/or its delivery as an individual, a group, or an institution. Quality and safety in medical care have become a national priority, and Part 4 of MOC permits medical physicists to demonstrate both their commitment to this enterprise and, in some instances, their compliance with associated external requirements.
Beginning in year two following entry into MOC, the diplomate will engage in one PQI project every three years. Sample PQI projects for each of the three sections of medical physics are posted on the ABR website. The ABR will review and qualify national programs developed by professional societies for fulfillment of the criteria of Part 4. In addition, diplomates can formulate and execute specific PQI projects of their own design that would satisfy the PQI requirements in achieving continuous quality improvement within individual practice. Projects can be developed by individuals, group practices, hospitals, institutions, or societies. The five areas for PQI project choices are:
- Patient safety
- Accuracy of interpretation and calculations
- Report turnaround times
- Practice guidelines and standards
- Surveys
Examples of PQI projects for each of the three medical physics disciplines can be found by clicking the links below:
Examples of program resources that you may find helpful in learning about quality improvement include:
- Online or in-person course (including college, institutional, and commercial courses, e.g., Lean Management, Six Sigma)
- Self-Assessment Module (SAM) on quality improvement
- Society-sponsored CME offering
- Institutional course
Many helpful reading resources on PQI are available.
See the list here.