Workflow Optimization: Current Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

In an attempt to maximize productivity within the medical imaging department, increasing importance and attention is being placed on workflow. Workflow is the process of analyzing individual steps that occur during a single event, such as the performance of an MRI exam. The primary focus of workflow optimization within the imaging department is automation and task consolidation, however, a number of other factors should be considered including the stochastic nature of the workload, availability of human resources, and the specific technologies being employed. The purpose of this paper is to determine the complex relationship that exists between information technology and the radiologic technologist, in an attempt to determine how workflow can be optimized to improve technologist productivity. This relationship takes on greater importance as more imaging departments are undergoing the transition from filmbased to filmless operation. A nationwide survey was conducted to compare technologist workflow in filmbased and filmless operations, for all imaging modalities. The individual tasks performed by technologists were defined, along with the amount of time allocated to these tasks. The index of workflow efficiency was determined to be the percentage of overall technologist time allocated to image acquisition, since this is the primary responsibility of the radiologic technologist. Preliminary analysis indicates technologist workflow in filmless operation is enhanced when compared with film-based operation, for all imaging modalities. The specific tasks that require less technologist time in filmless operation are accessing data and retake rates (due to both technical factors and lost exams). Surprisingly, no significant differences were reported for the task of image processing, when comparing technologist workflow in film-based and filmless operations. Additional research is planned to evaluate the potential workflow gains achievable through workflow optimization software, improved systems integration, and automation of advanced image processing techniques.

Application of Innovation Economics to Medical Imaging and Information Systems Technologies

“…For medical imaging, user groups (e.g., community practice radiologists and technologists) tend to primarily view innovation from a workflow perspective, while purchaser groups (e.g., radiology and hospital administrators) view innovation primarily from an economic perspective, and influencer groups (e.g., academic radiologists and researchers) often focus on quality. An example of a successful IT innovation which accomplished all three priorities is PACS, which has been shown to improve workflow and productivity, decrease operational costs, and improve quality [16][17][18].…”

Integrated communication: workflow enhancement in the digital diagnostic radiology department

“…They also note that the introduction of digital modalities have done little to reduce that 0531 shortage. Reiner et al [1], in 2002, also evaluated technologist workflow and identified multiple factors that impact that work flow. Their observations indicated that transition to filmless operations enhanced workflow.…”

Role activity diagram-based discrete event simulation model for healthcare service delivery processes

“…Consequently, the prohibitive costs of imaging devices severely restrict radiology departments from purchasing additional equipment in an effort to enhance patient throughput and reduce waiting times. Hence, improving the efficiency of service delivery process is emerging to be a viable step for radiology departments and a priority of healthcare organizations worldwide (National Research Council, 2009;National Health Services, 2007;Reiner et al, 2002).…”