How to Increase the Efficiency of the Radiology Equipment

Background

Over the past few decades, the role of radiology in patient care has grown substantially globally driven by factors such as the increased prevalence of chronic ailments, the ageing population, awareness of evidence-based patient management, significant improvement in medical technology, etc. At present, the radiology department is the heart of any healthcare setting, enabling physicians to save lives by not only establishing an accurate and prompt diagnosis but also aiding image-guided complex surgical procedures for better outcomes and monitoring treatment-related outcomes. 

The equipment used in the radiology department includes X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, mammography, PET scan, nuclear medicine, etc. Most of these have sophisticated features, require delicate handling and have a high maintenance cost. In most healthcare settings, as the volume of patients utilizing radiology service is very high, achieving high levels of productivity and efficiency is of paramount importance in the radiology department.

Strategies for increasing the efficacy of the equipment

Medical imaging equipment impacts patient care significantly. It leads to faster and more accurate diagnosis, lower rescan rates, lower radiation exposure and a good patient experience. This in turn paves the way for increased demand. Some of the key strategies for increasing the efficacy of medical imaging equipment are discussed below.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance of medical equipment ensures that it functions efficiently to enable appropriate patient management. Maintenance aims to ensure that the equipment functions as per the performance characteristics set by the hospital, the manufacturer's specification and the clinical requirements. Maintenance should be taken up proactively periodically on a preventive basis rather than after a breakdown. Regular maintenance is usually done by authorized personnel employed by the hospital, in most cases being the technician handling the equipment, service personnel or engineers with specialist expertise provided by the equipment manufacturer. 

Staff training & collaboration

Proper staff training on equipment handling and department protocols is an important step in increasing efficacy. Both new team members and existing members should ideally be periodically trained and updated about a few features by highly-experienced application consultants from the equipment manufacturers or key operators, who have hands-on experience using the equipment. Radiographers often have to work in highly pressurized work environments such as operating rooms, emergency departments, night shifts, etc. Thus, fostering a culture of feedback and collaboration among the radiology team reduced the chances of technical or human error. Radiologist technicians and nurses should be also adequately trained to prepare and position patients for imaging, administer medicines, follow radiation safety protocols, counsel and comfort patients during procedures and independently perform procedures. 

Workflow optimization

Workflow optimization is the use of strategies to increase the efficiency in the radiology department to reduce costs, time and errors. Analyzing the patient flow, scheduling appointments, and operational processes to identify and remove bottlenecks and inefficiencies are some of the important strategies to achieve workflow optimization in the radiology department. Several software systems available nowadays can reduce waiting times and the number of patient no-shows, allocate resources, address the increased volume of examinations, foster clinical collaboration with integrated patient data, etc. This reduces operational costs and also the time of the busy radiology team. 

Technology upgradation 

The advent of newer technologies, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning has significantly reduced the workloads of overburdened radiologists, optimal use of equipment and also improve diagnostic quality and medical treatment. For example, a picture and communication system (PACS) allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and sharing of digital images and reports throughout the clinic in all departments. This allows for making informed decisions and collaboration among the treating team. Similarly, computer-aided design (CAD) software systems can assist radiologists in detecting abnormalities or potential problem areas by accurate image interpretation using the equipment. This improves accuracy and reduces interpretation time. Data analytics tools can be used to analyze and evaluate equipment performance, patient throughput, and overall efficiency.