SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Process Improvement Project to Reduce Mri Turnaround Time

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This project describes a Lean-based, multidisciplinary effort to reduce inpatient MRI turnaround time at a 700-bed academic trauma and county hospital in South Texas. Delays in MRI interpretation were identified by hospitalists, nurses, and case management staff as a major contributor to prolonged inpatient length of stay and ED boarding.<br /><br />A team including hospitalists, nurses, radiologists, MRI technologists, cardiology/electrophysiology, anesthesiology, transport, environmental services, and operational excellence staff mapped the MRI workflow into three phases: order to schedule, schedule to completion, and completion to final read. They then removed redundant steps and introduced targeted interventions, such as a dedicated MRI screening form, clearer task assignment between technologists and coordinators, better visibility of expected discharge dates for radiologists, a dedicated clearance pathway for pacemaker/ICD patients, improved communication between auxiliary staff and nursing, and revised radiology reading workflows. Outpatient and inpatient exams were also separated during parts of 2023.<br /><br />Measured results showed modest but meaningful improvements on weekdays. Average total MRI turnaround time decreased from 34.9 hours in 2021 to 32.76 hours in July–December 2023, a savings of 2.14 hours per study. The largest gains came from reduced time to begin the exam and reduced time from exam completion to final results. Weekend turnaround time was more variable, with less consistent improvement.<br /><br />Overall, the project demonstrates that structured Lean process redesign and stakeholder engagement can meaningfully improve MRI workflow and potentially help reduce inpatient length of stay.

Asset Subtitle

Ankur Segon

Meta Tag

Author List Ankur Segon, Christopher R. Sandles, Saket Kottewar

Category Innovations

Concept Lean Process Improvement

Concept MRI Turnaround Time

Concept Multidisciplinary Team

Concept MRI Workflow

Concept Workflow Delay

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

Presenting Author Ankur Segon

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

Lean process improvement

MRI turnaround time

inpatient workflow

length of stay

ED boarding

workflow mapping

radiology operations

multidisciplinary team

hospital efficiency

patient imaging

Lean Process Improvement

MRI Turnaround Time

Multidisciplinary Team

MRI Workflow

Workflow Delay