A Systematic Review of Quality Improvement Initiatives Led by Radiology Nurses in Diagnostic Imaging Services 

Abstract

Background: The diagnostic imaging department is a high-risk, complex setting with patient safety, operational efficiency, and patient experience as the priorities. Within this setting, the radiology nurse's role has transformed significantly from procedural to core coordination and leadership of quality improvement (QI). Aim: This synopsis synthesizes literature between the years 2015 and 2025 to examine the extent, impact, and characteristics of QI activities driven or sponsored by radiology nurses. Methods: A Systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted. Top scholarly databases were used to conduct literature searches, and studies were included if they described nursing-led QI projects within diagnostic imaging and quantified outcomes. Results: The findings demonstrate how evidence-based care by radiology nurses is important in closing four areas of high value: patient safety (i.e., reducing contrast reactions and falls), patient experience, operational effectiveness, and safety culture. These evidence-based approaches yield significant reductions in adverse events, higher levels of patient satisfaction, increased throughput, and cost savings. Standardized checklists, anticipatory risk analysis, and robust patient education are among common success factors, but pitfalls like role ambiguity and limited resources remain. Conclusion: Radiology nurses are strong leaders of QI in imaging and not just implementers. Providing them with formal leadership training and clear role delineation is necessary for the establishment of service quality and safety. Further research should also quantify the return on investment of nursing-led QI and its role in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

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