Creating forms
Designing your own template based on the department's needs and quality tasks is a straightforward process. The module offers the possibility to be creative in the visualization, selection of colors and symbols in order to make the template easy to understand for users. Templates can include different tests to be executed, which will be filled in either as values, text or by automatically calculated parameters. Even files like the automated QC report of a scanner can be directly uploaded as input to a test field. There is great flexibility in the configuration of expected input (e.g. data type value, mandatory comment, etc), as well as in the supervision requirements (e.g. supervision obliged). The designed templates can have a generic scope or be linked to specific devices. An unlimited number of templates can be created and the module comes with a variety of readily available templates, like the quality control of monitors.
Performing quality tasks
The execution and supervision of any quality control task is simplified with this module. The user clicks the “Add data” button of the relevant template and fills in the required fields. The description (that can include instructions on how to perform the required test) and the form itself provide the necessary information on what is expected from each test. Either it is a pass/fail criterion or a numerical entry, immediate feedback is always provided for the correctness of each field. Previous tests are also visualized to allow direct evaluation and identification of potential systematic problems. By submitting a filled in template, the user takes ownership of the performed task and corresponding input. This smart interface allows to perform all quality tasks in a uniform, reliable and repetitive way.
Supervision
This module offers the great benefit of having centralized supervision, while the execution of the quality tasks can be completely remote. Users are motivated by easy data access that allows quick evaluations and actions. Trendlines and other charts can be configured per field, test and device. Smart tools and intelligent notifications dedicated to supervisors indicate tests that do not comply, as well as missing entries. This helps to avoid liabilities of tests not performed on time by contacting the responsible persons. Moreover, in the case of non-conformities, further investigation or extra tests can be requested and improvement plans can be initiated from within the application. Reports that can be directly generated in industry standard formats (PDF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) allow to document and communicate the overall process.
Benchmark
Quality tests performed on different devices can be compared with a click. Trendlines, bar, and column charts are available for the user’s desired configuration. Benchmarking can include all the values of a test, a selected number of values or a specific time frame. Additionally, the benchmarked devices can be filtered to avoid comparisons between different brands, versions or models when they are not relevant. This way benchmarking is more efficient and leads to significant findings like the need for optimization of a device or extra training of personnel with respect to device operation or specific task performance.
Overall characteristics
This flexible vendor-neutral software is the ideal companion for digitally documenting and reporting all the quality tasks in the medical imaging (or other) department. Functioning in a secure cloud-based platform or optionally on-premise, this module can be accessed from anywhere and thus, it fits perfectly into remote quality monitoring. Moreover, it requires limited investment by the IT department of the hospital, allowing them to focus on other tasks. When combining Foqal Forms with other quality modules of Foqal like Foqal Contrast and Foqal CT repeat, it becomes a powerful tool to document and disseminate findings, like sentinel reports or optimization plans.
Installation and configuration
The Foqal Forms module is a vendor-neutral solution that does not need complex integrations and thus it does not burden your IT department.