1) Become familiar with workflow engine technology. 2) Understand how workflow engines can be used within a radiology department. 3) Understand strengths and weaknesses of workflow engines compared to alternative methods like databases.
Workflow engines are a commonly used technology in many process-oriented industries like manufacturing and logistics. However, they have seen limited application in radiology or medicine. There are a few reasons why that might be, but the increasing pressures to increase clinical efficiency and expectations of adherence to evidence-based medicine principles may drive adoption of workflow engines.
There are some important enabling technologies that may encourage increased use of workflow engines in healthcare, and radiology specifically. These include the SWIM workflow lexicon. The increased use and expectations for departmental dashboards will also reduce the barriers to implementing workflow engines.
Some commercial entities are now building workflow technology into their systems. It is important to adopt technologies for workflow that are reliable and scalable as healthcare systems grow increasingly complex. Some examples of where workflow engines can support enterprise as well as departmental work will be examined.
Erickson, B,
Managing Your Department with Workflow Engines. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001846.html
