Top considerations for improved clinical workflow when making efficiency upgrades
Orange County, CA - July 15th 2016 - Looking to improve a radiology department can be a daunting task, a necessity involving assessing crucial aspects requiring upgrades and prioritizing those needs based on budgetary constraints. According to Radiology Today, this process can be streamlined with proper planning and the appropriate tools - two essential components to achieving workflow efficiency.
According to Bradley Erickson, MD, PhD, associate chair for research in radiology at the Mayo Clinic, common challenges radiologists face include 3D advanced visualization, nonradiology PACS images, multifacility coverage, and access to EHR data. However, advancements in cloud-based imaging, vendor neutral archiving, and workflow systems can provide solutions for such issues.
Paul Chang, MD, FSIIM, professor and vice chairman of radiology informatics at the University Of Chicago School Of Medicine, emphasizes inevitable human error as a key reason to purchase software facilitating workflow. Whereas radiologists blossom in adjudicating various diagnoses when interpreting imaging scans, Chang claims that human failings account for a majority of issues exposed when assessing workflow inefficiencies.
Human error impeding workflow includes incorrect patient data entry, poor time management, and imprudent allocation of services. Such assessments can be made, he suggests, by looking for “pain paints”—insufficiencies revealed in aspects of workflow analysis—before making any investments. Such issues include variability in image output, where incidents stem from, and prolonged patient stay.
"You have to have a cultural change, a governance model, an analytics perspective, and some process—an ongoing continuous quality improvement process—that continuously looks at your workflow cycle," Chang said.
After conducting a workflow efficiency investigation, it’s imperative to identify the appropriate tools to mitigate common complications. Workflow solutions can cater to specific “pain points,” but there are several software systems currently available that address the previously outlined problems.
For instance, those falling short in image storage and sharing can benefit from looking into cloud storage, which facilitates both while offering additional advantages. Not only can cloud storage hold a great amount of data, but it can be utilized via specified applications giving health care providers the ability to conduct research or survey patterns among particular populations. Additionally, cloud storage opens avenues for mobile health applications, making it an upgrade that physicians and patients can benefit from.
“Cloud empowers access to 3D views [everywhere], across a growing array of devices, and enables a radiologist to collaborate with vascular surgeons as [they plan] for a surgical intervention,” said Rasu B. Shrestha, MD, MBA, chief innovation officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Radiologists need to be more than mere diagnosticians; they need to be physician consultants. Technology is enabling this today."
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Top considerations for improved clinical workflow when making efficiency upgrades Orange County, CA – July 15th 2016 – Looking to improve a radiology department can be a daunting task, a necessity involving assessing crucial aspects requiring upgrades and prioritizing those needs based on budgetary constraints. According to Radiology Today, this process can be streamlined with proper […]