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Imaging Service Navigators: An Approach Toward More Efficient and Effective Communications
Naveen Subhas1, Stefan Johnson2, Christine Caruso2
1Institute Vice Chair, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|December 9, 2022
Summary
Implementing imaging service navigators (ISNs) increased radiologist communication rates by 49% and saved radiologists an average of 28 minutes daily. Most radiologists reported high satisfaction with the support services.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Operations
Background:
- Radiology practices increasingly use support services for non-interpretive tasks.
- Limited research exists on the impact of these support services on radiologist workflow and satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of imaging service navigators (ISNs) on communication volume, radiologist time savings, and satisfaction.
- To quantify changes in communication rates and perceived efficiency post-ISN implementation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of radiologist report dictation data (pre- and post-ISN).
- Calculation of communication rates across different subtypes.
- Pre- and post-implementation surveys assessing radiologist time savings and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Overall communication rate increased by 49% (from 2.196% to 3.278%) post-ISN implementation.
- Significant increases observed in urgent (94%) and actionable (75%) communication subtypes.
- Radiologists reported an average daily time saving of 28 minutes and 82% expressed positive satisfaction with the ISN service.
Conclusions:
- ISN implementation enhances communication efficiency and volume in radiology practices.
- ISNs contribute to significant time savings for radiologists, allowing them to focus on interpretive tasks.
- The integration of ISNs leads to high radiologist satisfaction with support services.