Quality Improvement Report: Improving Retrieval Time for CT Supplies by Using 5S

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Healthcare Operations Management
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Disorganized CT supply rooms can cause delays and patient safety risks.
• Inefficient supply retrieval impacts the busy interventional radiology service.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce supply retrieval time in the CT imaging workflow.
• To increase satisfaction among CT technologists and medical providers.
• To implement lean 5S methodology for supply management.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team applied lean 5S methodology (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain).
• Supply retrieval scavenger hunts were timed before and after reorganization.
• Spaghetti diagrams tracked movement, and satisfaction surveys were administered.

Main Results:

• A 61.7% decrease in average supply retrieval time was observed (P < .01).
• Spaghetti diagrams showed reduced redundant foot traffic.
• Satisfaction surveys indicated statistically significant positive responses post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Lean 5S methodology effectively reorganizes CT supply rooms.
• Optimized supply management improves workflow efficiency and staff satisfaction.
• This approach contributes to enhanced patient safety in CT imaging services.