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Operations Management

Informatics Solutions for Driving an Effective and Efficient Radiology Practice

Published Online:Oct 10 2018https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.2018180037

Abstract

Informatics tools enable the ability to create unique solutions that help improve radiologist efficiency, engagement, and patient care in the current climate of increasing case volumes and workplace pressures.

Radiologists are facing increasing workplace pressures that can lead to decreased job satisfaction and burnout. The increasing complexity and volumes of cases and increasing numbers of noninterpretive tasks, compounded by decreasing reimbursements and visibility in this digital age, have created a critical need to develop innovations that optimize workflow, increase radiologist engagement, and enhance patient care. During their workday, radiologists often must navigate through multiple software programs, including picture archiving and communication systems, electronic health records, and dictation software. Furthermore, additional noninterpretive duties can interrupt image review. Fragmented data and frequent task switching can create frustration and potentially affect patient care. Despite the current successful technological advancements across industries, radiology software systems often remain nonintegrated and not leveraged to their full potential. Each step of the imaging process can be enhanced with use of information technology (IT). Successful implementation of IT innovations requires a collaborative team of radiologists, IT professionals, and software programmers to develop customized solutions. This article includes a discussion of how IT tools are used to improve many steps of the imaging process, including examination protocoling, image interpretation, reporting, communication, and radiologist feedback.

©RSNA, 2018

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Article History

Received: Feb 23 2018
Revision requested: Apr 18 2018
Revision received: May 30 2018
Accepted: June 8 2018
Published online: Oct 10 2018
Published in print: Oct 2018