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Changes in technologist productivity with implementation of an enterprisewide PACS
Bruce Reiner1, Eliot Siegel, Mary Scanlon
1Department of Radiology, Maryland Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. breiner@ce.net
Journal of Digital Imaging
|July 23, 2002
Summary
Implementing Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) significantly boosts technologist productivity. Filmless operations using PACS increase efficiency by over 30% compared to traditional film-based methods.
Area of Science:
- Radiology Informatics
- Healthcare Operations Management
Background:
- Traditional film-based radiology workflows present challenges in technologist efficiency.
- The advent of digital imaging necessitates evaluating its impact on operational productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of filmless operation on radiologic technologist productivity.
- To compare productivity metrics before and after Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) implementation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of technologist productivity data (exams/FTE) before and after PACS implementation.
- Comparison of institutional productivity with local and nationwide film-based standards.
- Utilized workload reports and payroll records for data collection.
Main Results:
- Technologist productivity was comparable to national standards during film-based operations.
- Post-PACS implementation, productivity increased by 34% above national standards.
- Productivity saw a 48% increase compared to the local control site after PACS adoption.
Conclusions:
- Enterprise-wide PACS implementation significantly enhances department-wide technologist productivity.
- Filmless operations offer a substantial improvement over traditional film-based radiology.