The aims of the current statement are to refine the definition of quality
in cardiovascular imaging and to propose novel methodological approaches to
inform the demonstration of quality in imaging in future clinical trials and
registries. We propose defining quality in cardiovascular imaging using an
analytical framework put forth by the Institute of Medicine whereby quality was
defined as testing being safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, equitable,
and efficient. The implications of each of these components of quality health
care are as essential for cardiovascular imaging as they are for other areas
within health care. Our proposed statement may serve as the foundation for
integrating these quality indicators into establishing designations of quality
laboratory practices and developing standards for value-based payment reform for
imaging services. We also include recommendations for future clinical research
to fulfill quality aims within cardiovascular imaging, including clinical
hypotheses of improving patient outcomes, the importance of health status as an
end point, and deferred testing options. Future research should evolve to define
novel methods optimized for the role of cardiovascular imaging for detecting
disease and guiding treatment and to demonstrate the role of cardiovascular
imaging in facilitating healthcare quality.