Effect of film-based versus filmless operation on the productivity of CT technologists.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-1998

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the relative time required for a technologist to perform a computed tomographic (CT) examination in a "filmless" versus a film-based environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time-motion studies were performed in 204 consecutive CT examinations. Images from 96 examinations were electronically transferred to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) without being printed to film, and 108 were printed to film. The time required to obtain and electronically transfer the images or print the images to film and make the current and previous studies available to the radiologists for interpretation was recorded.

RESULTS: The time required for a technologist to complete a CT examination was reduced by 45% with direct image transfer to the PACS compared with the time required in the film-based mode. This reduction was due to the elimination of a number of steps in the filming process, such as the printing at multiple window or level settings.

CONCLUSION: The use of a PACS can result in the elimination of multiple time-intensive tasks for the CT technologist, resulting in a marked reduction in examination time. This reduction can result in increased productivity, and, hence greater cost-effectiveness with filmless operation.

Volume

207

Issue

2

First Page

481

Last Page

485

ISSN

0033-8419

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

9577498

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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