To improve timely access to medical care and to be compatible with the goals of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, the institution sought to accommodate 90% of outpatient MRI studies within 30 days of the desired date entered by the clinical providers, according to senior author Dr. Aman Khurana.
The researchers gathered and analyzed retrospective data such as the basis for time allocation of MRI studies, average patient wait time, and types of most frequently requested MRI studies. They then implemented a number of changes, including an effort to reduce unnecessary lumbar spine and knee MRI studies by creating multidisciplinary care coordination agreements for these exams. In addition, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. slots were added on Sunday for one of the two available MRI systems, and more efficient weekday shifts were added for MR technologists, Khurana said.
What was the result? The average patient wait time for scheduling an MRI exam dropped nearly a third. These gains occurred even while the hospital had received a 14.3% increase in the number of requested MRI studies. What's more, the researchers achieved their goal of performing MRI studies in fewer than 30 days from the desired date for 90% of patients, improving from 71% to 93.4%.
"Patient wait time for MRI availability at our hospital decreased using a systematic approach toward work process analysis, planning, implementing small changes, and eliminating waste of vacant MRI appointment slots," Khurana said.
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