Alexander Herold , Wei-Ching Lo , Andrew Sharp , Barbara D. Wichtmann , Sean P. Hartmann , Arhaan Gupta-Rastogi , Lauren M. Melski , John Conklin , Min Lang , Bryan Clifford , Shivraman Giri , Michael Weber , James A. Brink , Oleg Pianykh , Onofrio A. Catalano , Susie Y. Huang , Jad S. Husseini
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
To assess the workflow efficiency of an optimized MRI facility design compared to conventional facilities.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed 7,164 non-contrast MRI examinations (3,951 knee, 2,246 shoulder, 967 ankle) performed between January 2021 and April 2024. We compared an optimized facility (OF) featuring three scanners, three dedicated preparation bays, and dockable tables to two reference facilities (RF) with traditional single-scanner/single-table setups. All scans were performed on 3 T scanners. Workflow metrics were extracted from scanner logs and electronic health records. Three-way ANOVA and chi-square tests assessed the impact of facility design, body region, and date on workflow metrics.
Results
The OF demonstrated a decrease of the mean total process cycle by 5.0–6.8 min (16.4–18.9 %) compared to RF (p < 0.001), which was primarily attributed to reduced turnaround times (mean reduction: 4.2 min, p < 0.001). Scans incorporating deep learning (DL)-based reconstruction showed 4.9–6.2 min shorter mean acquisition times at both facilities (p < 0.001). The mean time interval from patient arrival to exam start was 6.6 min shorter at OF, and on-time performance was higher at OF (79.4 %) versus RF (63.4 %) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that optimized MRI facility design significantly enhances outpatient efficiency and increases patient throughput for non-contrast enhanced musculoskeletal examinations.
期刊介绍:
European Journal of Radiology is an international journal which aims to communicate to its readers, state-of-the-art information on imaging developments in the form of high quality original research articles and timely reviews on current developments in the field.
Its audience includes clinicians at all levels of training including radiology trainees, newly qualified imaging specialists and the experienced radiologist. Its aim is to inform efficient, appropriate and evidence-based imaging practice to the benefit of patients worldwide.