Introduction
Radiological delay is one of the main causes of increase in throughput time of ED. The objective of this study was to ascertain the performance delay of the radiological investigations frequently utilized in ED including CT scans, ultrasound and MRI and ways to improve the throughput.
Methods
A data of CT, MRI and Ultrasounds of all the patients presenting to ED was collected from January 2018 till March 2018 from the MIS of Shifa international hospital. Specific parameters were set and report extracted with the help of MIS. The data points were set according to preset time schedule and analyzed. The results were then plotted in graphic fashion.
Results
A total of 3829 radiological investigations were performed through the emergency department during the three-month study duration. CT
scans were performed within 2 hours for 74% of times it was ordered whereas for ultrasound, it was only 52% of times it was ordered. 22% of the MRIs were done within 2 hours
Conclusion
A delay in the radiological investigation can be one of the factors causing a delay in emergency throughput. Ultrasound takes a longer time to be performed as compared to CT scans in our population. Factors underlying this difference can be studied in further studies
Key words: Radiological delay, Emergency Department throughput, overcrowding
|
