Kevin William McEnery MD, Presenter: Medical Advisory Board, Vital Images, Inc, Minneapolis, MN

Joel Sullivan Dunnington MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric P. Tamm MD, Abstract Co-Author: Equipment support, TeraRecon, Inc

Gregory W. Gladish MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jeremy J. Erasmus MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ronelle A. Du Brow MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Victor H. Arboleda RT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Belinda B. Ona RN, BSN, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stan Hildebrand, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Steven L Venable, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The electronic protocol management and order entry system has eliminated a paper-based protocol process and increased the efficiency of CT operations. Its services-based architecture provides a robust architecture for future enhancements and expansion into additional modality areas.

In order to improve operational efficiency in CT, an electronic protocol management system was implemented to eliminate a paper-based CT protocol system. This system eliminated the labor intensive process of collating ancillary data for the radiologist as well as the logistical infrastructure required to move paper protocol sheets to and from four geographically dispersed imaging areas and the radiologists responsible for imaging protocols.  

The system was in-house developed in collaboration with radiologists, nurses, technologists and informatics personnel. A service-oriented architecture (SOA) integrates schedule data from the HIS, clinical data from the order entry system, allergy information from the EMR, previous scan data from the RIS, as well as laboratory data from the LIS into a single display. The patient’s prior protocols are also available for instant access. The system provide a means for the radiologist to specify the imaging protocol to be selected, oral and/or rectal contrast, intravenous contrast (if any), and pre-medication. Electronic workflow processes are also provided to allow nursing and technologist staff to clarify existing orders with the radiologist.

To date over 65,000 protocols have been processed via the system. The system provides coordination for over 700 CT procedures per day. Personnel who formerly spent several hours collating lab, allergy, and clinical data have been reassigned to other tasks. Personnel who formerly served as protocol-runners have also been reassigned to other tasks. Previously experienced delays caused by inefficient transportation or faxing of the paper-based protocol sheets have been eliminated. Anecdotally, CT managers report a greater efficiency of CT operations allowing nurses and technologists to spend more time in the processing of patients for their procedures.

McEnery, K, Dunnington, J, Tamm, E, Gladish, G, Erasmus, J, Du Brow, R, Arboleda, V, Ona, B, Hildebrand, S, Venable, S, et al, , Protocol Order Entry and Management System for CT Imaging Service.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6021213.html