Reducing barriers to timely MR imaging scheduling.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Healthcare Management
• Process Improvement

Background:

• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scheduling faced significant delays due to protocol variations, equipment availability, and administrative requirements.
• A backlog of over 300 patients awaiting MR imaging appointments was common.
• These delays impacted patient access to essential diagnostic imaging services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce the turnaround time for scheduling outpatient MR imaging examinations.
• To decrease the backlog of patients waiting for MR imaging appointments.
• To enhance the efficiency of the MR imaging scheduling process.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team implemented process improvements using lean methods and plan-do-check-act cycles.
• Key areas targeted included protocol turnaround, schedule standardization, and examination timing.
• The study focused on improving the interval between order receipt and patient appointment notification.

Main Results:

• Scheduling time for outpatient MR imaging decreased by 72%, from 117 hours to 33 hours.
• The patient scheduling queue was reduced by 90%.
• The number of MR imaging examinations increased significantly, averaging over 1279 studies per month.

Conclusions:

• Lean methods and process redesign effectively reduced MR imaging scheduling times and backlog.
• The improvements led to a substantial increase in patient throughput and access to MR imaging services.
• Optimizing the scheduling process is crucial for efficient healthcare delivery in diagnostic imaging.