Yoganathan Nisanthi, Sá Dos Reis Cláudia, Serranheira Florentino
Department of Radiology, Hospital of Yverdon-les-Bains (eHnv), 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland.
School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2025 Mar;56(2):101799. doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101799. Epub 2024 Dec 6.
The escalating use of Computed Tomography (CT) has promoted higher radiographer workload, which can contribute to an increase of risks such as stress, job dissatisfaction, and potential health and safety issues. This study aimed to assess the impact of organizational, spatial, and temporal factors on procedures and workload in a CT unit, emphasizing patient safety and radiographer well-being. Addressing time pressure and optimizing workplace ergonomics are crucial in maintaining a balance between efficiency and quality, ensuring safe practices in modern medical imaging units.
The study was conducted in a Swiss university hospital CT unit and employed the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model to analyse the radiographers' workflow and time constrains. Observations and tasks' analysis were used to collect data, including timing and location of tasks performed by radiographers.
The radiographers' workflow in the CT department is complex, involving multiple tasks. The entire process spans from 26 to 41 min but the Machine-Time (time spent inside the CT room) ranged from 10 to 16 min. The study identified inefficiencies in the workflow, namely in time spent on patient preparation and unsuited machine-time rate. The layout of the department, including limited space in the preparation area, contributing to ergonomic challenges for radiographers. Organizational factors, such as scheduling practices, also impacted workflow. The examination durations varied by type of scan and patient, leading to time pressure and potential safety concerns.
The study highlighted the need for more realistic time allocation in CT examinations to improve patient and radiographer safety. Recommendations include extending machine-time rate, adapting examination durations based on the type of CT, and assigning a dedicated radiographer for order review. It is also crucial improving the working environment to accommodate ergonomic needs. Addressing these issues can enhance the efficiency and safety of CT departments, benefiting both patients and radiographers.
Healthcare organizations should consider these study recommendations to improve the efficiency and safety of CT departments. By implementing the recommended changes, such as adjusting CT-time rate and optimizing working environments, radiographer satisfaction and patient safety can be increased, ultimately leading to safer and more effective CT services.
计算机断层扫描（CT）的使用日益增加，这使得放射技师的工作量加大，进而可能导致压力、工作不满以及潜在的健康与安全问题等风险增加。本研究旨在评估组织、空间和时间因素对CT科室的流程及工作量的影响，重点关注患者安全和放射技师的健康状况。应对时间压力并优化工作场所的人体工程学设计对于在效率和质量之间保持平衡至关重要，这能确保现代医学影像科室的安全操作。
该研究在瑞士一家大学医院的CT科室开展，采用患者安全系统工程倡议（SEIPS）模型来分析放射技师的工作流程和时间限制。通过观察和任务分析来收集数据，包括放射技师执行任务的时间和地点。
CT科室放射技师的工作流程复杂，涉及多项任务。整个过程耗时26至41分钟，但机器操作时间（在CT检查室内花费的时间）为10至16分钟。该研究发现工作流程中存在效率低下的问题，即在患者准备时间和不合适的机器操作时间率方面。科室的布局，包括准备区域空间有限，给放射技师带来了人体工程学方面的挑战。组织因素，如排班做法，也对工作流程产生了影响。检查时间因扫描类型和患者而异，导致时间压力和潜在的安全问题。
该研究强调在CT检查中需要更合理地分配时间，以提高患者和放射技师的安全。建议包括延长机器操作时间率，根据CT类型调整检查时间，并指定一名专门的放射技师进行医嘱审核。改善工作环境以满足人体工程学需求也至关重要。解决这些问题可以提高CT科室的效率和安全性，使患者和放射技师都受益。
医疗保健机构应考虑这些研究建议，以提高CT科室的效率和安全性。通过实施建议的变革，如调整CT操作时间率和优化工作环境，可以提高放射技师的满意度和患者安全，最终提供更安全、更有效的CT服务。
