Medical imaging clinical trials unit: A professional need

Area of Science:

• Clinical Trial Management
• Medical Imaging Operations
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Clinical trials require efficient management of medical imaging processes.
• Existing structures may not adequately support the complexities of imaging in trials.
• Improved patient care necessitates optimized trial workflows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and describe a management and control tool for clinical trial imaging.
• To identify necessary human resources for efficient imaging process management.
• To enhance the quality of patient care through improved trial processes.

Main Methods:

• Established a specialized unit within the Medical Imaging Department for clinical trial coordination.
• Utilized a customized, flexible, and modular software package for request management (appointments, protocols, reports, billing).
• Parameterized activity and professional satisfaction indicators for monitoring.

Main Results:

• Monitored 367 trials (50% of hospital trials) from 2016-2020.
• Achieved a 47% budget increase for the Medical Imaging Department.
• Improved inter-departmental coordination and collaboration, with 86% reporting high collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a Medical Imaging Clinical Trials Unit requires defining tasks, personnel, and organizational needs.
• The unit improved control and traceability of clinical trials within the department.
• Optimized workflow, monitoring, and invoicing are key components of the unit's success.