Measuring and improving productivity in general radiology

Michelle A. Wilt, Rafael Miranda, C. Daniel Johnson, Peggy Sue Love

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine a method of measuring productivity among general radiographers in a moderate-sized hospital and to improve and sustain productivity within that work area. Methods The average times needed to perform the 13 most common examinations were measured. Performance of the various examinations was tracked and multiplied by the time allocated per procedure; this measure was divided by the length of the work shift to determine productivity. Productivity measures were shared among the work group, and decisions to improve productivity (eg, whether to fill open positions) were made by group members. Results Average time spent per examination type was calculated (range, 10 minutes to 1 hour 16 minutes). At baseline (February 2008), group productivity was 50%. Productivity increased during the first year of monitoring and was sustained through November 2009 (productivity range, 57%-63%). Yearly savings from not filling open positions were estimated to be $174,000. Conclusions Productivity in a general radiology work area can be measured. Consensus among the work group helped increase productivity and assess progress. This methodology, if widely adopted, could be standardized and used to compare productivity across departments and institutions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)774-777
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010

Keywords

  • Efficiency
  • improvement
  • productivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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