1
|
Utilization of a cloud-based radiology analytics platform to monitor imaging volumes at a large tertiary center. Eur J Radiol Open 2022; 9:100443. [PMID: 36217502 PMCID: PMC9547187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2022.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale and objective In this study, we evaluate the ability of a novel cloud-based radiology analytics platform to continuously monitor imaging volumes at a large tertiary center following institutional protocol and policy changes. Materials and methods We evaluated response to environmental factors through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis involved 11 CT/18 MR imaging systems at a large tertiary center. A vendor neutral, cloud-based analytics tool (CBRAP) was used to retrospectively collect information via DICOM headers on imaging exams between Oct. 2019 to Aug. 2021. Exams were stratified by modality (CT or MRI) and organized by body region. Pre-pandemic scan volumes (Oct 2019-Feb. 2010) were compared with volumes during/after two waves of COVID-19 in Illinois (Mar. to May 2020 & Oct. to Dec. 2020) using a t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results The CBRAP was able to analyze 169,530 CT and 110,837 MR images, providing a detailed snapshot of baseline and post-pandemic CT and MR imaging across the radiology enterprise at our tertiary center. The CBRAP allowed for further subdivision in its reporting, showing monthly trends in average scan volumes specifically in the head, abdomen, spine, MSK, thorax, neck, GU system, or breast. Conclusion The CBRAP retrieved data for 300,000 + imaging exams across multiple modalities at a large tertiary center in a highly populated, urban environment. The ability to analyze large imaging volumes across multiple waves of COVID-19 and evaluate quality-improvement endeavors/imaging protocol changes displays the usefulness of the CBRAP as an advanced imaging analytics tool.
Collapse
Key Words
- CBRAP, Cloud-based analytics tool
- COVID-19
- CT, Computed tomography
- Cloud-based analytics
- Computed tomography
- GU, Genitourinary
- HEENT, Head, eyes, ear, nose, throat
- MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging
- MSK, Musculoskeletal
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Process improvement
Collapse
|
2
|
Meyl TP, Berghöfer A, Blatter T, Heverhagen JT, de Bucourt M, Maurer MH. Software-Based Evaluation of Optimization Potential for Clinical MRI Scanners in Radiology. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2021; 194:391-399. [PMID: 34687027 DOI: 10.1055/a-1659-8821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to use a software application to analyze the examination times and changeover times of two clinically highly applied MRI scanners at a university hospital for radiology and to evaluate whether this could result in optimization potential for examination planning in the daily clinical routine of MRI diagnostics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on the newly developed software application "Teamplay Usage" (Siemens Healthineers, Germany), the examinations carried out on two MRI scanners (1.5 T and 3 T) were investigated within an analysis period of 12 months with regard to the type of examination and its duration. In addition, compliance with the previously defined planning time (30, 45, 60 min.) was checked and deviations were analyzed. In addition, the changeover times between the examinations were determined and a possible influence due to the exchange of MRI coils was investigated for a selection of change combinations. RESULTS For the total of 7184 (1.5 T: 3740; 3 T: 3444) examinations included in the study, the median examination time was 43:02 minutes (1.5 T: 43:17 min.; 3 T: 42:45 min.). The ten most frequent types of examinations per MRI scanner were completed within the predefined plan time of 54.5 % (1.5 T) and 51.9 % (3 T), taking into account a previously defined preparation and post-processing time of 9 minutes per examination. Overall, more time was spent on examinations with a planned time of 30 minutes, whereas the majority of the examinations planned with 45 minutes were also completed within this time. Examinations with a planned time of 60 minutes usually took less time. A comparison between the planned time and the determined examination duration of the most common types of examinations showed overall a slight potential for optimization. Coil exchanges between two examinations had a small, but statistically not significant effect on the median changeover time (p = 0.062). CONCLUSION Utilizing a software-based analysis, a detailed overview of the type of examination, examination duration, and changeover times of frequently used clinical MRI scanners could be obtained. In the clinic examined, there was little potential for optimization of examination planning. An exchange of MRI coils necessary for different types of examination only had a small effect on the changeover times. KEY POINTS · The use of the "Teamplay Usage" software application enables a comprehensive overview of the type of examination, examination duration, and changeover times for MRI scanners.. · Adjustments to examination planning for MRI diagnostics show optimization potential, which, however, is to be assessed as low in the clinic examined.. · Necessary replacements of MRI coils only have a small effect on the changeover times.. CITATION FORMAT · Meyl TP, Berghöfer A, Blatter T et al. Software-Based Evaluation of Optimization Potential for Clinical MRI Scanners in Radiology. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; DOI: 10.1055/a-1659-8821.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Philipp Meyl
- Medical Department, Medical Strategy, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne Berghöfer
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Blatter
- Institute for Clinical Chemnistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes T Heverhagen
- Department for Diagnostic, Interventional, and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian de Bucourt
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin H Maurer
- Department for Diagnostic, Interventional, and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Maurer MH, Brönnimann M, Schroeder C, Ghadamgahi E, Streitparth F, Heverhagen JT, Leichtle A, de Bucourt M, Meyl TP. Time Requirement and Feasibility of a Systematic Quality Peer Review of Reporting in Radiology. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2020; 193:160-167. [PMID: 32698235 DOI: 10.1055/a-1178-1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the human resources required for a retrospective quality review of different percentages of all routine diagnostic procedures in the Department of Radiology at Bern University Hospital, Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three board-certified radiologists retrospectively evaluated the quality of the radiological reports of a total of 150 examinations (5 different examination types: abdominal CT, chest CT, mammography, conventional X-ray images and abdominal MRI). Each report was assigned a RADPEER score of 1 to 3 (score 1: concur with previous interpretation; score 2: discrepancy in interpretation/not ordinarily expected to be made; score 3: discrepancy in interpretation/should be made most of the time). The time (in seconds, s) required for each review was documented and compared. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to calculate the total workload for reviewing different percentages of the total annual reporting volume of the clinic. RESULTS Among the total of 450 reviews analyzed, 91.1 % (410/450) were assigned a score of 1 and 8.9 % (40/450) were assigned scores of 2 or 3. The average time (in seconds) required for a peer review was 60.4 s (min. 5 s, max. 245 s). The reviewer with the greatest clinical experience needed significantly less time for reviewing the reports than the two reviewers with less clinical expertise (p < 0.05). Average review times were longer for discrepant ratings with a score of 2 or 3 (p < 0.05). The total time requirement calculated for reviewing all 5 types of examination for one year would be more than 1200 working hours. CONCLUSION A retrospective peer review of reports of radiological examinations using the RADPEER system requires considerable human resources. However, to improve quality, it seems feasible to peer review at least a portion of the total yearly reporting volume. KEY POINTS · A systematic retrospective assessment of the content of radiological reports using the RADPEER system involves high personnel costs.. · The retrospective assessment of all reports of a clinic or practice seems unrealistic due to the lack of highly specialized personnel.. · At least part of all reports should be reviewed with the aim of improving the quality of reports.. CITATION FORMAT · Maurer MH, Brönnimann M, Schroeder C et al. Time Requirement and Feasibility of a Systematic Quality Peer Review of Reporting in Radiology. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 160 - 167.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Maurer
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern Universtity Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Brönnimann
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern Universtity Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Schroeder
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern Universtity Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Johannes T Heverhagen
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern Universtity Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Leichtle
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern Universtiy Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian de Bucourt
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Philipp Meyl
- Medical Department, Medical Strategy, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Subspecialization in radiology: effects on the diagnostic spectrum of radiologists and report turnaround time in a Swiss university hospital. Radiol Med 2019; 124:860-869. [PMID: 31011996 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the changes in the work profiles of radiologists and the reporting time after the implementation of professional subspecialization in the radiology department of a Swiss university hospital. METHODS In a retrospective analysis, the overall number of different radiologic examinations performed in the department of radiology of the largest Swiss university hospital was documented for 2014 and 2016 before and after the implementation of subspecialized reporting (subspecialities: abdominal, musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, emergency, and pediatric imaging) in May 2015. For six selected radiologists, the number and types of reported examinations as well as the related radiology report turnaround times (RTATs) were analyzed in detail and compared between the two 1-year periods. RESULTS Overall, there was a significant increase of 10.3% in the total number of examinations performed in the whole department in 2016 compared with 2014. For four of the six radiologists, the range of different types of examinations significantly decreased with the introduction of subspecialized reporting (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant change in the subset of the ten most commonly reported types of examinations reported by each of the six radiologists. Mean overall RTATs significantly increased for five of the six radiologists (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of subspecialized reporting led to a change in the structure and a decrease in the range of different examination types reported by each radiologist. Mean RTAT increased for most radiologists. Subspecialized reporting allows the individual radiologist to focus on a special field of professional competence but can result in longer overall RTAT.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sfreddo LS, Vieira GBB, Vidor G, Santos CHS. ISO 9001 based quality management systems and organisational performance: a systematic literature review. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/14783363.2018.1549939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Stertz Sfreddo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção (PPGEP), Campus Universitário da Região dos Vinhedos (CARVI), Rua João Dal Sasso, 800, Bairro Universitário, CEP 95705-266, Bento Gonçalves - RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bergmann Borges Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção (PPGEP), Campus Universitário da Região dos Vinhedos (CARVI), Rua João Dal Sasso, 800, Bairro Universitário, CEP 95705-266, Bento Gonçalves - RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Vidor
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção (PPGEP), Campus Universitário da Região dos Vinhedos (CARVI), Rua João Dal Sasso, 800, Bairro Universitário, CEP 95705-266, Bento Gonçalves - RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Honorato Schuch Santos
- Campus Santo Antônio da Patrulha (SAP), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rua Barão do Cahy, 125, Bairro Cidade Alta, CEP 95500-000, Santo Antônio da Patrulha - RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pereira AG, Vergara LGL, Merino EAD, Wagner A. Solutions in radiology services management: a literature review. Radiol Bras 2015; 48:298-304. [PMID: 26543281 PMCID: PMC4633074 DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2014.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed at reviewing the literature to identify solutions for problems observed in radiology services. MATERIALS AND METHODS Basic, qualitative, exploratory literature review at Scopus and SciELO databases, utilizing the Mendeley and Illustrator CC Adobe softwares. RESULTS In the databases, 565 papers - 120 out of them, pdf free - were identified. Problems observed in the radiology sector are related to procedures scheduling, humanization, lack of training, poor knowledge and use of management techniques, and interaction with users. The design management provides the services with interesting solutions such as Benchmarking, CRM, Lean Approach, ServiceBlueprinting, continued education, among others. CONCLUSION Literature review is an important tool to identify problems and respective solutions. However, considering the small number of studies approaching management of radiology services, this is a great field of research for the development of deeper studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Garcia Pereira
- Fellow Master degree in Production Engineering, Program of Post-graduation in Production Engineering - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (PPGEP-UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Lizandra Garcia Lupi Vergara
- PhD, Professor, Program of Post-graduation in Production Engineering - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (PPGEP-UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Eugenio Andrés Díaz Merino
- PhD, Professor, Program of Post-graduation in Production Engineering - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (PPGEP-UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Adriano Wagner
- Professor, Instituto Federal Farroupilha, Fellow PhD degree, Program of Postgraduation in Production Engineering - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (PPGEPUFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Grupp U, Maurer M. Verbesserung der Prozesse rund um den radiologischen Arbeitsplatz. Radiologe 2014; 54:27-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00117-013-2556-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|