Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Int J Med Inform. 2013 Mar;82(3):168-76. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2012.06.001. Epub 2012 Jul 2.
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate and evaluate the effective application of a computerized workflow management system (WMS) into sonography workflow in order to reduce patient exam waiting time, number of waiting patients, sonographer stress level, and to improve patient satisfaction.
A computerized WMS was built with seamless integration of an automated patient sorting algorithm, a real-time monitoring system, exam schedules fine-tuning, a tele-imaging support system, and a digital signage broadcasting system of patient education programs. The computerized WMS was designed to facilitate problem-solving through continuous customization and flexible adjustment capability. Its effects on operations, staff stress, and patient satisfaction were studied.
After implementation of the computerized WMS, there is a significant decrease in patient exam waiting time and sonographer stress level, significant increase in patient satisfaction regarding exam waiting time and the number of examined patients, and marked decrease in the number of waiting patients at different time points in a day.
Through multidisciplinary teamwork, the computerized WMS provides a simple and effective approach that can overcome jammed exams associated problems, increase patient satisfaction level, and decrease staff workload stress under limited resources, eventually creating a win-win situation for both the patients and radiology personnel.
本研究旨在展示和评估将计算机化工作流管理系统（WMS）有效应用于超声工作流程中，以减少患者检查等待时间、等待患者数量、减少超声医师压力水平，并提高患者满意度。
使用自动化患者分类算法、实时监控系统、精细调整检查时间表、远程成像支持系统和患者教育节目数字标识广播系统，构建了一个计算机化的 WMS。该系统旨在通过持续定制和灵活的调整能力来促进问题解决。研究了计算机化 WMS 对运营、员工压力和患者满意度的影响。
实施计算机化 WMS 后，患者检查等待时间和超声医师压力水平显著降低，患者对检查等待时间和检查人数的满意度显著提高，每天不同时间点的等待患者数量明显减少。
通过多学科团队合作，计算机化 WMS 提供了一种简单有效的方法，可以克服因资源有限而导致的检查拥堵问题，提高患者满意度水平，并降低员工工作压力，最终为患者和放射科人员创造双赢局面。
