Reducing interruptions during duty radiology shifts, assessment of its benefits and review of factors affecting the radiology working environment.

AIM

To investigate and reduce the number of inappropriate interruptions to the duty radiology registrar, as well as subjectively assess the effect of reducing interruptions and identify other methods of improving the duty working environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pre- and post-intervention prospective quantitative study and post-intervention retrospective qualitative study of duty radiology registrars was performed at a tertiary referral centre. The first cycle of the quantitative study was performed prior to implementation of a telephone triage system. The second cycle and qualitative study were performed afterwards.

RESULTS

The average number of interruptions per day dropped by 43.7% after the intervention. Moreover, inappropriate interruptions dropped from one in three to one in five interruptions. Improvement was demonstrated following the intervention for perceived patient safety, workload, reporting efficiency, reporting accuracy, work satisfaction, and stress. The most common hindrance to a good working environment was interruptions (36%). The most common suggestion for improvement was improved comfort (33%).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that a telephone triage system can substantially reduce the number of interruptions to the duty radiologist. It also demonstrates that reducing interruptions in radiology has the potential to improve the working environment in many ways.