Factors predicting the time‐length variability of identically protocoled MRI exams

Abstract

Background Clinical variability in MRI exam durations can impede efficient MRI utilization. There is a paucity of data regarding the degree of variability of identically protocoled MRI studies and when nontechnological factors contribute to time‐length variations in MRI exams. Purpose To measure the magnitude of variation in MRI exam duration for identically protocoled MRI exams and to identify potential contributors to variations in MRI exam times. Study Type Retrospective. Subjects 2705 identically protocoled MRI examinations of the cervical spine without contrast, comprehensive stroke exams, and comprehensive brain examinations performed on adult patients from June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Assessment MRI exam duration was obtained directly from the image data. Potential predictors for exam length variability were evaluated including patient age, patient gender, performing technologist, patient status (inpatient/outpatient/emergency department), MRI field strength, use of sedation, day of week, and the time of day. Statistical Tests Linear regression analysis was performed for each individual variable after correcting for the MRI exam type. A multivariate mixed model was generated to assess for independent associations between the predictors and exam duration. Results There was substantial variability in the duration of the selected clinical MRI exams, with standard deviations (SDs) ranging between 19% and 29% of the mean exam length for each individual type of exam. The performing technologist was the most significant identified factor contributing to this variation in exam length; SD = 2.645 (P < 0.001). Compared with outpatient exams, inpatient exams required 4.18 minutes longer to complete (P < 0.001), and emergency department studies 1.86 minutes longer (P = 0.005). Male gender was associated with an additional 1.36 minutes of exam time (P < 0.001). Data Conclusion Nontechnical factors are associated with substantial variation in MRI exam times. These variations can be predicted based on relatively simple clinical and demographic factors, with implications for MRI exam scheduling, protocol design, staff training, and workflow design. Level of Evidence: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.

Software-Based Evaluation of Optimization Potential for Clinical MRI Scanners in Radiology

“…Avery et al analyzed whether predicting actual examination times is possible [20]. They investigated significant factors influencing the variation of examination duration in an identical MRI examination protocol of the neck.…”

“…So könnte z. B. bei den häufig durchgeführten Untersuchungen des Abdomens gemäß der ermittelten Untersuchungsdauern ( Ob eine Vorhersage tatsächlicher Untersuchungszeiten möglich ist, analysierten Avey et al [20]. Sie untersuchten maßgebliche Einflussfaktoren auf die Variation der Untersuchungsdauern bei einem identischen MRT-Untersuchungsprotokoll des Halses.…”

“…Ob eine Vorhersage tatsächlicher Untersuchungszeiten möglich ist, analysierten Avey et al 20 . Sie untersuchten maßgebliche Einflussfaktoren auf die Variation der Untersuchungsdauern bei einem identischen MRT-Untersuchungsprotokoll des Halses.…”

Factors Contributing to Computed Tomography Trauma Scan Times at a Tertiary Center: Improving Emergency Department Trauma Imaging Workflow Through Targeted Interventions

“…Of those studies, transportation time to the CT scanner is the most frequently evaluated. However, in other areas of imaging, factors such as performing technician and hospital setting have been identified as important predictors in imaging time fluctuations 10 . A previous study identified up to 34 unique tasks that are required by a CT technologist to process a patient through a single CT imaging session 11 .…”

“…However, in other areas of imaging, factors such as performing technician and hospital setting have been identified as important predictors in imaging time fluctuations. 10 A previous study identified up to 34 unique tasks that are required by a CT technologist to process a patient through a single CT imaging session. 11 These tasks include time spent in the electronic medical record, obtaining localization images, contrast administration and recording, interfacing with the CT scanner, reformatting images, sending images to picture archiving and communication system (PACS), stamping the image in PACS, and updating patient location in addition to room related tasks.…”