Preliminary Investigation of Clinical CT Workflow Elements
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the different elements of the CT imaging workflow. Specifically, seeking opportunities to quantify workflow elements to then evaluate clinical and operational improvement efforts.
Methods
The CT workflow was observed during a total of N = 34 patient imaging sessions over a period of 1 month. The observations were conducted across multiple CT platforms including Canon One/insight, Canon Precision, and GE VCT. Various workflow stages such as patient preparation and positioning were captured using Work Study Plus Time Software. Stages were defined and developed in partnership with the senior CT technologist staff. Each stage was time-stamped manually by the observer. The same observer was used for all exams. The data collected identified the durations of each stage, and the variability within the imaging protocol of different scanned areas.
Results
Head, Chest, Abdomen & Pelvis exams accounted for 80% of the exams observed. Preliminary results suggested that stage time varied across different protocols potentially due to patient mobility. For example, a non-ambulatory head CT took around 11.35 minutes, whereas an ambulatory patient with same protocol took around 4.16 minutes. Time differences may also suggest variability among different protocols. Such as, a non-ambulatory head with contrast CT was around 28.25 minutes whereas a non-ambulatory abdomen and pelvis with contrast took around 14.56 minutes.
Conclusion
Various factors may influence the overall duration of a CT scan workflow. Some of these factors present opportunities for introducing efficiencies, such as in the preparation related to ambulatory or non-ambulatory patients or other vendor provided solutions. This preliminary investigation could present opportunities to motivate further investigation for efficiency improvement measures in the CT workflow. Further work can lead to a better working environment for the staff and a more pleasant experience for the patients.