Breast imaging software developer Volpara Solutions launched its "EQUIP-ready" support software to help the more than 8,700 accredited breast imaging centers in the U.S. prepare for compliance with the Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP) initiative recently launched by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The EQUIP-ready program includes draft processes, procedures, and forms designed to help users with their compliance efforts. Features are included with the company's VolparaEnterprise cloud-based quality assurance software.
The EQUIP initiative emphasizes the need for ongoing facility review of clinical image quality, according to the FDA. Beginning in 2017, accredited breast screening providers will have to demonstrate that they have established the following:
- A corrective action system that can address when clinical images are of poor quality
- A means of establishing that clinical images continue to comply with accreditation-body standards, including quality attributes such as positioning, as well as regular reviews of sample images from each technologist and each interpreting physician
- A procedure for oversight of quality assurance/quality control records and corrective actions
VolparaEnterprise monitors every screening mammogram for image quality issues related to positioning and compression and helps isolate cases for EQUIP review. It locates poor-quality images for review during image review quality meetings and good-quality images for review in preparation for machine accreditation.
The software also enables breast imaging providers to provide objective evidence to demonstrate compliance and quality of care. Users can perform quality control checks to help reduce costs through the reduction of retakes and to increase staff effectiveness, Volpara said. The Microsoft Azure-based software provides real-time quality assurance and performance monitoring through interactive dashboards, the firm added.
