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Karera A, Musili T, Kalondo L. Radiographers' insights on the impact of their potential role in image interpretation within a low resource setting. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:1099-1105. [PMID: 38776819 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global shortage of radiologists has led to a growing concern in medical imaging, prompting the exploration of strategies, such as including radiographers in image interpretation, to mitigate this challenge. However, in low-resource settings, progress in adopting similar approaches has been limited. This study aimed to explore radiographers' perceptions regarding the impact of their potential role in image interpretation within a low-resource setting. METHODS The study used a qualitative descriptive design and was conducted at two public referral hospitals. Radiographers with at least one year of experience were purposively sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide after consenting. Data saturation determined the sample size, and content analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS Two themes emerged from fourteen interviews conducted with two male and twelve female radiographers. Theme one revealed the potential for enhanced healthcare delivery through improved diagnostic support, bridging radiologist shortages, career development and fulfilment as positive outcomes of role extension. Theme two revealed possible implementation hurdles including radiographer resistance and reluctance, limited training, lack of professional trust, and legal and ethical challenges. CONCLUSION Radiographers perceived their potential participation positively, envisioning enhanced healthcare delivery, however, possible challenges like resistance and reluctance of radiographers, limited training, and legal/ethical issues pose hurdles. Addressing these challenges through tailored interventions, including formal education could facilitate successful implementation. Further studies are recommended to explore radiographers' competencies, providing empirical evidence for sustaining and expanding this role extension. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The study further supports the integration of radiographers into image interpretation with the potential to enhance healthcare delivery, however, implementation challenges in low-resource settings require careful consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Karera
- Department of Radiography, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, P.O Box 13301 Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - T Musili
- Department of Radiography, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, P.O Box 13301 Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - L Kalondo
- Department of Radiography, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, P.O Box 13301 Windhoek, Namibia.
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Karera A, Engel-Hills P, Davidson F. Radiology image interpretation services in a low-resource setting: Medical doctors' experiences and the potential role of radiographers. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:560-566. [PMID: 38281318 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medical doctors can encounter significant challenges in both the radiology image interpretation service and their ability to interpret images to promote effective patient management. This study aimed to explore the experiences of medical doctors in a low-resource setting regarding the image interpretation service received in state-funded hospitals and the potential role of radiographers. METHODS A qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenology design was employed. Thirteen medical officers and medical interns, with a maximum of three years of experience, were purposively selected from three state-funded hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, and data analysis followed the conventional content analysis method using Atlas.ti for Windows (version 9). RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the data. The first theme was a poor image interpretation service which highlighted issues such as long turnaround times for image reporting and compromised patient management. The second theme was training and support deficiency which revealed the inadequacy of image interpretation training and the need for additional on-the-job support. The third theme was the inconspicuous radiographer role which showcased the potential opportunities for radiographers to aid in filling the gaps in the image interpretation system. CONCLUSION Medical doctors in this low-resource setting experience significant delays in radiology image interpretation, leading to compromised patient management. Their training in image interpretation is inadequate, and they often lack on-the-job support. Radiographers potentially play a role in image interpretation which may provide solutions to these contextual challenges. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE There is a need to review and develop a comprehensive image interpretation system that effectively supports medical doctors in image interpretation, possibly involving the collaboration of radiographers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Karera
- Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - P Engel-Hills
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - F Davidson
- Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
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More R, Dunn E, Dunwell S. Improving radiology: a whole-system opportunity. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:395-400. [PMID: 36935256 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we set out the current context and case for change in radiology in England and how quality-improvement approaches can support the development of sustainable Imaging services and networks to meet the challenges faced now and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R More
- Xytal Health Management Ltd, The Vineyard, Little Norton, Norton Sub Hamdon, Somerset TA14 6TE, UK.
| | - E Dunn
- Xytal Health Management Ltd, The Vineyard, Little Norton, Norton Sub Hamdon, Somerset TA14 6TE, UK
| | - S Dunwell
- Xytal Health Management Ltd, The Vineyard, Little Norton, Norton Sub Hamdon, Somerset TA14 6TE, UK
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When patients get stuck: A systematic literature review on throughput barriers in hospital-wide patient processes. Health Policy 2021; 126:87-98. [PMID: 34969531 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hospital productivity is of great importance to policymakers, and previous research demonstrates that improved hospital productivity can be achieved by directing more focus towards patient throughput at healthcare organizations. There is also a growing body of literature on patient throughput barriers hampering the flow of patients. These projects rarely, however, encompass complete hospitals. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic literature review on hospital-wide patient process throughput barriers by consolidating the substantial body of studies from single settings into a hospital-wide perspective. Our review yielded a total of 2207 articles, of which 92 were finally selected for analysis. The results reveal long lead times, inefficient capacity coordination and inefficient patient process transfer as the main barriers at hospitals. These are caused by inadequate staffing, lack of standards and routines, insufficient operational planning and a lack in IT functions. As such, this review provides new perspectives on whether the root causes of inefficient hospital patient throughput are related to resource insufficiency or inefficient work methods. Finally, this study develops a new hospital-wide framework to be used by policymakers and healthcare managers when deciding what improvement strategies to follow to increase patient throughput at hospitals.
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Souza DL, Korzenowski AL, Alvarado MM, Sperafico JH, Ackermann AEF, Mareth T, Scavarda AJ. A Systematic Review on Lean Applications' in Emergency Departments. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060763. [PMID: 34205337 PMCID: PMC8235665 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents the state of the art of Lean principles applied in Emergency Departments through a systematic literature review. Our article extends previous work found in the literature to respond to the following questions: (i) What research problems in emergency departments can Lean principles help overcome? (ii) What Lean approaches and tools are used most often in this environment? (iii) What are the results and benefits obtained by these practices? and (iv) What research opportunities appear as gaps in the current state of the art on the subject? A six-step systematic review was performed following the guidance of the PRISMA method. The review analysis identified six main research problems where Lean was applied in Emergency Departments: (i) High Waiting Time and High Length of Hospital Stay; (ii) Health Safety; (iii) Process redesign; (iv) Management and Lessons Learned; (v) High Patient Flow; (vi) Cost Analysis. The six research problems’ main approaches identified were Lean Thinking, Multidisciplinary, Statistics, and Six Sigma. The leading Lean tools and methodologies were VSM, Teamwork, DMAIC, and Kaizen. The main benefits of applying Lean Principles were (a) reductions in waiting time, costs, length of hospital stay, patient flow, and procedure times; and (b) improvements in patient satisfaction, efficiency, productivity, standardization, relationships, safety, quality, and cost savings. Multidisciplinary integration of managers and work teams often yields good results. Finally, this study identifies knowledge gaps and new opportunities to study Lean best practices in healthcare organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davenilcio Luiz Souza
- Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo 93022-750, RS, Brazil; (D.L.S.); (J.H.S.); (A.E.F.A.)
| | - André Luis Korzenowski
- Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo 93022-750, RS, Brazil; (D.L.S.); (J.H.S.); (A.E.F.A.)
- Accounting Department, School of Management and Business, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Porto Alegre 91330-002, RS, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-51-99163-6371
| | - Michelle McGaha Alvarado
- Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - João Henrique Sperafico
- Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo 93022-750, RS, Brazil; (D.L.S.); (J.H.S.); (A.E.F.A.)
| | - Andres Eberhard Friedl Ackermann
- Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo 93022-750, RS, Brazil; (D.L.S.); (J.H.S.); (A.E.F.A.)
| | - Taciana Mareth
- Accounting Department, School of Management and Business, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Porto Alegre 91330-002, RS, Brazil;
| | - Annibal José Scavarda
- Department of Production Engineering, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22290-255, RJ, Brazil;
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Burroni L, Bianciardi C, Romagnolo C, Cottignoli C, Palucci A, Massimo Fringuelli F, Biscontini G, Guercini J. Lean approach to improving performance and efficiency in a nuclear medicine department. Clin Transl Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-021-00418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sheehan JR, Lyons B, Holt F. The use of Lean Methodology to reduce personal protective equipment wastage in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paediatr Anaesth 2021; 31:213-220. [PMID: 33345391 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded many existing healthcare delivery challenges including long waiting lists and cost containment. New challenges have arisen, such as demand on supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the implications of social distancing on staff, patients, and their families. Despite the pandemic, the need to deliver safe, urgent congenital cardiac surgery has remained. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate how Lean methodology can improve PPE supply chain demand and reduce staff exposure to children with unknown SARS-CoV-2 status undergoing congenital cardiac surgery, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We implemented the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control method (DMAIC) and Value Stream Maps to eliminate waste steps during testing for SARS-CoV-2 for children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. RESULTS Following a 3-week period of implementation of this new value stream map, we reduced PPE set usage from 13 to 1 per patient, resulting in an annual saving of over €36,000 and reducing single-use plastic waste by nearly 70 000 pieces per annum. We reduced numbers of staff exposed to patients with an unknown SARS-CoV-2 status from 13 to 1. CONCLUSION The use of Lean methodology can reduce waste of PPE and plastic, resulting in cost savings, while reducing staff exposure when testing patients with congenital cardiac disease for SARS-CoV-2. By preventing admission of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, we can reduce use of isolation beds and prevent cancellation of surgery, improving patient flow and departmental efficiency. Other departments in our institution are implementing similar admission pathways to allow surgical services to restart during the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry Lyons
- Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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Fu S, Wu XG, Zhang L, Wu LF, Luo ZM, Hu QL. Service Quality Improvement of Outpatient Blood Collection by Lean Management. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:1537-1543. [PMID: 34276209 PMCID: PMC8277444 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s320163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the application effect of lean management in improving the quality of outpatient blood collection services. METHODS For this study, a total of 146,907 patients whose blood was sampled by outpatient services between April 2020 and September 2020 were selected. We analyzed the influence of various factors on the waiting time and satisfaction levels of the patients for blood collection and eliminated confounders based on the results of the analysis. Lean management for the outpatient blood collection service was implemented in July 2020. Thus, the 38,275 cases sampled on weekday mornings between April and June 2020 were selected as the ordinary management group, while the 39,473 cases sampled on weekday mornings between July and September 2020 belonged to the lean management group. Finally, the changes in waiting time and the satisfaction levels of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS The age and gender of the patients and the length of service of the staff, who administered blood collection had a negligible effect on the waiting time (Z=-1.243, P=0.418; Z=-1.569, P=0.389; Z = -1.062, P= 0.563), while there was a statistical difference in the waiting time between different days and different sessions (Z = -2.581, P = 0.013 and Z = -4.672, P < 0.001). We also found that the length of service of blood collection staff, day, session, and age and gender of patients did not have a meaningful effect on patient satisfaction (P > 0.05). Overall, the median waiting time of outpatients decreased from 22 min to 13 min after the implementation of lean management (Z =10.522, P < 0.001), while the satisfaction level of outpatients increased from 95.37% to 98.33% (χ 2 = 559.580, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The application of lean management can significantly shorten outpatient waiting time for blood collection, improve patients satisfaction levels, and enhance the overall patient experience. Thus, lean management can significantly improve the service quality of outpatient blood collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Fu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xian-Guo Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Feng Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhang-Mei Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi-Lei Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Qi-Lei Hu Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, No. 369 Yingbin Road of Nanyuan Street, Linping District, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 571 89369404 Email
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Zepeda-Lugo C, Tlapa D, Baez-Lopez Y, Limon-Romero J, Ontiveros S, Perez-Sanchez A, Tortorella G. Assessing the Impact of Lean Healthcare on Inpatient Care: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155609. [PMID: 32759705 PMCID: PMC7432925 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare services are facing challenges in increasing their efficiency, quality of care, and coping with surges in demand. To this end, some hospitals have implemented lean healthcare. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of lean healthcare (LH) interventions on inpatient care and determine whether patient flow and efficiency outcomes improve. The review was performed according to PRISMA. We used six databases to search for studies published from 2002 to 2019. Out of 5732 studies, 39 measuring one or more defined outcomes were included. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was measured in 23 studies, 16 of which reported a reduction, turnover time (TOT) decreased in six out of eight studies, while the turnaround time (TAT) and on-time starts (OTS) improved in all five and seven studies, respectively. Moreover, eight out of nine studies reported an earlier discharge time, and the boarding time decreased in all four cases. Meanwhile, the readmission rate did not increase in all nine studies. Lastly, staff and patient satisfaction improved in all eight studies. Our findings show that by focusing on reducing non-value-added activities, LH contributed to improving patient flow and efficiency within inpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Zepeda-Lugo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico; (C.Z.-L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Diego Tlapa
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico; (C.Z.-L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.); (Y.B.-L.); Tel.: +52-6461750744 (D.T.)
| | - Yolanda Baez-Lopez
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico; (C.Z.-L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.); (Y.B.-L.); Tel.: +52-6461750744 (D.T.)
| | - Jorge Limon-Romero
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico; (C.Z.-L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Sinue Ontiveros
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Administrativas y Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tecate 21460, Mexico;
| | - Armando Perez-Sanchez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana 22260, Mexico;
| | - Guilherme Tortorella
- Department of Systems and Production Engineering, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040, Brazil;
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