Bruce Ian Reiner MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Eliot Lawrence Siegel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Khan Mohammad Siddiqui MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Frank J Hooper PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Amy Elizabeth Musk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The transition from film-based to filmless operation has been shown to improve technologist productivity, through the elimination of time intensive tasks associated with film handling and processing. Once this conversion is complete, minimal attention is typically paid to workflow optimization, which offers the potential to further improve technologist productivity. This study was performed to assess the impact of workflow optimization on technologist productivity, in the performance of general radiographic exams, using digital radiography

A prospective time-motion analysis was performed during two one-week time periods (separated by a six month time interval), pre and post workflow optimization, in the performance of two-view chest radiographic exams using digital radiography. An independent time keeper performed this time-motion analysis using a split function stopwatch, measuring the individual steps of patient preparation, positioning, exposure, post-acquisition processing, and total exam times.

Statistically significant time differences were observed for total exam times, pre and post workflow optimization (p<0.0001). Prior to workflow optimization, the mean total exam time was 213.4 seconds, which was reduced to 136.1 seconds after workflow optimization. The entire total exam time difference of 77.3 seconds was accounted for by differences in post-acquisition processing time alone, with all other steps combined accounting for a time difference of only 2.1 seconds. Post-acquisition entails the process of image display and manipulation and went from a mean time of 89.9 seconds to 10.5 seconds (p<0.0001), after workflow optimization. This change in workflow was largely the result of shifting post-acquisition processing from an “out of room” process to an “in room” process, through the introduction of an in-room QA workstation

In the performance of chest radiographic exams using digital radiography, significant time savings can be achieved through workflow optimization. The single most important step contributing to these potential time savings is post-acquisition processing, which is a primary contributor to quality assurance

Reiner, B, Siegel, E, Siddiqui, K, Hooper, F, Musk, A, Digital Radiography Workflow: Effect of Workflow Optimization on Technologist Productivity.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4416961.html