Optimizing MRI Logistics: Prospective Analysis of Performance, Efficiency, and Patient Throughput.

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Healthcare Operations Management
• Process Improvement in Healthcare

Background:

• MRI logistics and workflow efficiency are critical for patient care and operational success.
• Optimizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) processes can lead to improved patient throughput and satisfaction.
• Understanding workflow bottlenecks is essential for enhancing healthcare delivery in academic centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize MRI logistics by evaluating workflow, performance, and efficiency.
• To analyze patient throughput in a tertiary care academic center's MRI department.
• To identify key areas for improvement in MRI operational processes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective collection of workflow data from two outpatient MRI scanners over two weeks.
• Stratification of collected data into value-added, business value-added, and non-value-added time categories.
• Measurement of MRI process cycle time, patient length of stay, and frequency/impact of delays.

Main Results:

• Non-value-added time constituted approximately 26% of the MRI process cycle and 29% of the patient length of stay.
• The most frequent delay was IV or port placement (5.57%), with a mean delay of 22.82 minutes.
• MRI arthrography delays (1.64%) had the greatest time impact (mean delay of 42.2 minutes) due to un-scheduled contrast injections.

Conclusions:

• Non-value-added time represents a significant portion (about one-third) of MRI operations.
• Targeted improvement strategies addressing specific delays can enhance MRI efficiency and patient satisfaction.
• Optimizing MRI workflow has the potential to increase revenue and improve overall patient experience.