Management in action. A comparative analysis of radiology productivity

In June 1982 an outside consulting firm utilized management engineering techniques to analyze productivity levels of the Radiology Department at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital. Identical methods were utilized for a follow-up study conducted in January 1984. Strategies for productivity improvement were assessed as measured by number of examinations accomplished daily by usual department staffing. Findings indicated that productivity had increased through better staff and room utilization, though some problems still existed with staffing and patient scheduling practices. These studies indicate that, through the establishment of productivity goals, continuous assessment and monitoring of productivity indicators can be effective management tools.