Improving medical radiology quality in low-income settings: an interdisciplinary approach to workflow management, management support, and working environment safety in Burundi

Background: Medical radiology plays a pivotal role in healthcare quality by enabling accurate diagnosis, treatment follow-up, and decision-making for disease and disability management.However, in low-income countries like Burundi, radiology services remain underdeveloped.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating the quality of care among heads of medical radiology departments working in hospitals in Burundi.Trained research assistants were used to reach participants in 61 selected health facilities.Descriptive analysis was applied to assess the workflow management, management support, and working environment safety.In contrast, 2 and binary logistic regression were used to identify administrative-associated factors.Results: Most of the participants expressed a lack of safety manual (91.8%), standardized examination procedures (86.9%), written reporting system of diagnostic results (75.4%), and availability of dish management guidelines (96.7%).The majority of participants reported never receiving training on radiology equipment (80.3%), training on quality assurance (78.7%), supervision from health facility seniors (41.0%), supervision from the central level (62.3%), and Supervision from the health district office (68.9%).Most participants strongly disagreed or disagreed with Effective communication with physicians (73.8%), and with effective communication with other health workers (75.4%).The health facility level was significantly associated with Working 7 days per week (P = 0.041), Timely issuance of diagnostic results (P = 0.014), and Availability of a written reporting system (P = 0.001).Furthermore, the province of the health facility was significantly associated with the Availability of a written reporting system of diagnostic results (P = 0.041).Conclusion: Findings show a high need for quality standards, examination procedure manuals, and protocols, as well as supportive means, including training and supervision.Results also showed a need for equity assurance between provinces and health facility levels when making interventions likely to improve medical radiology.