The imperative of quality control in Namibian diagnostic radiology: A standardized approach to medical physics dosimetry
TL;DR
A comprehensive, pragmatic framework for QC designed to harmonize national practices is proposed, and can enhance patient protection through optimized radiation doses and significantly improve the reliability and clinical value of radiological examinations in Namibia.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of diagnostic radiology services across Namibia’s public and private sectors necessitates a robust, standardized framework for quality control (QC), which is part of a comprehensive quality assurance program to ensure patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. While ionizing radiation is a powerful diagnostic tool, its use carries inherent risks of stochastic and deterministic effects, making the meticulous management of radiation dose a critical public health concern. The current radiological landscape in Namibia is characterized by varying practices and a lack of unified QC protocols, which lead to significant inconsistencies in radiation dose delivery and suboptimal image quality. This paper proposes a comprehensive, pragmatic framework for QC designed to harmonize national practices. The methodology includes routine equipment performance testing focusing on kilovoltage peak (kVp) accuracy, kVp reproducibility, timer reproducibility, half-value layer, and tube output reproducibility. This framework is specifically tailored to address the unique logistical and resource challenges within Namibia’s healthcare system, such as the geographical dispersion of facilities and limited specialized personnel. By implementing this standardized approach, Namibia can enhance patient protection through optimized radiation doses and significantly improve the reliability and clinical value of radiological examinations. Furthermore, the framework facilitates the transition from reactive maintenance to proactive quality assurance. This initiative represents a vital step toward strengthening the Namibian healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that diagnostic services align with international standards of radiation safety as set by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ultimately, this framework fosters a sustainable culture of excellence in medical imaging for the benefit of all Namibian patients.