Enhancing MRI efficiency in musculoskeletal examinations: Impact of optimized facility design and workflow optimization efforts

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.