Standardization of Radiologic Procedures for Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies: A Service-based Quality Improvement Initiative

INTRODUCTION: The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) remains the primary method to evaluate swallowing function in infants and children. However, limited standards exist to guide the image acquisition during pediatric VFSSs, leading to inadequate images, variable assessment quality, and potential for suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. The goal of this quality improvement project was to standardize the radiological procedure for radiologists at our institution. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team of project leaders established 3 imaging standards to target (magnification, the field of view, and pulse repetition rate), based on the best available evidence. The team used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model for Improvement to guide the project, identified key drivers, and implemented specific interventions. Project leaders observed a total of 170 VFSS examinations, performed by radiology faculty, fellows, and residents over 24 months. The primary outcome for this project was physician compliance with 3 established imaging standards: field of view, magnification, and pulse repetition rate. Project leaders collected data without the radiologists’ knowledge, and also recorded average radiation exposure as a balancing measure during this process. RESULTS: At baseline, compliance with all 3 criteria was 20%. Following interventions designed to improve radiologist performance with the 3 identified standards, the compliance rate reached 100% for the last 50 recorded VFSSs. During this same time, there was no meaningful increase in average radiation exposure compared with the 6 months before the implementation of this project. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with standardized image acquisition of VFSSs can be accomplished using a systematic quality improvement protocol targeting simple, inexpensive interventions.