Quality Standard for Imaging
Developed collaboratively by the Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers, The Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) is an ongoing joint enterprise between the two organisations. The standards are written by imaging professionals, informed by consultation with representatives from across the imaging workforce, alongside lay and patient representatives. Together, this ensures the standards reflect a comprehensive and realistic understanding of imaging services and the people who use them.
Who is QSI for?
QSI is intended for use by all diagnostic imaging services. The standards are wide-ranging, covering every aspect of general imaging services, and are equally relevant for providers of specialised, stand-alone imaging modalities, teleradiology providers and NHS services.
No matter the setting, every imaging provider can benefit from clear guidance to support the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care.
How to use QSI?
QSI has been created to help imaging service providers deliver higher standards of care. While it sets out clear minimum expectations for quality, it also inspires teams to go beyond the basics, aiming for excellence and making best practice part of their daily routines.
By using QSI, imaging teams can assess their current performance, spot areas for improvement, and drive ongoing progress in the quality of their services. The QSI acts as both a benchmark for quality and a guide for continuous development, supporting professionals to deliver the best possible care for patients.
The standards are designed to be used independently, helping teams to make internal improvements. However, their impact is even greater when combined with our formal quality review process, the QSI Quality Mark, supporting organisations to achieve recognised levels of excellence.
How is QSI kept up to date?
As imaging evolves, so does QSI. The standard is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new technologies, emerging evidence and changes in the wider healthcare landscape—ensuring it remains relevant, forward looking and grounded in what imaging services need today.
QSI undergoes a thorough review process with a complete, independent analysis taking place every four years. The intention behind QSI is to help services deliver safe, effective, and patient centred care while supporting teams in improving consistency, performance, and overall service quality.
The next update, QSI 2026 will become available later this year.