Overview of the accreditation of imaging services in Chile

Introduction: Medical imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and its quality and accuracy are fundamental to patient care. In this regard, mandatory accreditation of imaging services has become an increasingly important issue in healthcare. Objective: To describe the current situation of the Accreditation of Institutional Providers for the Provision of Imaging Services in Chile. Methodology: Quantitative, non-experimental design, descriptive scope, with a retrospective and longitudinal temporality. The sample corresponds to the Institutional Imaging Service Providers Centers in Chile, which were accredited at least once, reaching this condition 30 centers during 2023. Results: Of the total number of imaging centers reviewed, five regions still do not have accredited imaging services, two in the north, two in the south and one in the south of the country. Seventy percent of the services have only first accreditation, 26.7% have second accreditation and 3.3% have third accreditation. Conclusions: It is necessary to expand the participation of Imaging Services in the accreditation process to ensure quality and safety in the performance of imaging examinations. This expansion will contribute to improve accessibility and promote confidence in health care