Reducing the MRI outpatient waiting list through a capacity and demand time series improvement programme

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Radiology Services
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Outpatient waiting lists for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were growing at Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB).
• Initial assessments revealed that MRI capacity exceeded demand, challenging prior assumptions and necessitating a focus on operational efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce the outpatient waiting list for MRI scans.
• To improve the efficiency of MRI services by implementing targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• A capacity and demand analysis was conducted using time series data from 2019-2020.
• The Model for Improvement and Lean principles guided operational enhancements.
• Multiple tests of change were implemented, focusing on staff engagement, waiting list segmentation, and system redesign.

Main Results:

• The number of patients on the MRI waiting list decreased by 75%, from 1,954 to 413.
• Average waiting time for an MRI scan reduced from 96.4 days to 23.1 days.
• The achievement rate for the Ministry of Health's Priority 2 target increased from 23% to 87.5%.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative quality improvement initiative successfully and sustainably reduced the MRI waiting list over two years.
• Innovative strategies for matching MRI capacity to demand offer valuable insights for other radiology departments and waiting list management scenarios.