Significant Improvement in Outpatient Plain Film Exam Report Turnaround Time (TAT) After Process Improvement in Radiology
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2020
Reduce outpatient plain film exam report turnaround time (TAT) from 93 hours to 8 hours. Streamlined workflows reduced reporting time, improved clinical efficiency, and enhanced patient care.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Access To Care, Turnaround Time
About this Content
Aims
Reduce outpatient plain film exam report turnaround time (TAT) from 93 hours to 8 hours.
Background
Reporting delays of 93 hours affected clinical decisions and led to patient dissatisfaction.
Methods
Optimized PACS workload allocation, introduced RIS smart filters for report prioritization, and enhanced radiologist workflows.
Results
Report TAT reduced to 3 hours (exceeded target of 8 hours); patient and clinician satisfaction significantly improved.
Conclusion
Streamlined workflows reduced reporting time, improved clinical efficiency, and enhanced patient care.
Lessons Learnt
PACS optimization and task prioritization ensure efficiency; effective team communication is key for sustainability.
Keywords
Radiology, Plain Film, Report Turnaround Time, Workflow Optimization, PACS Efficiency
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Radiology, Diagnostic Radiography |
Project Lead(s) | Ong Kian Boon |
Project Member(s) | Yeong Kuan Yuen |
Connect with this contributor!
Ong Kian Boon - kian_boon_ong@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
C_239_NTFGH_QM_2020_Significant_Improvement_in_Outpatient_Plain_Film_Exam_Report_Turnaround_Time.pdf