Q Exchange
Reducing the MRI delay, using the QI way
- Proposal
- 2023
Meet the team
Also:
- Ann Tate - Principal Lead Radiographer
- Julia Baltacioglu - Senior MRI Radiographer
- Denise Newell - Head of Diagnostic Services
What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can improvement be used to reduce delays accessing health and care services'?
Access to timely and effective diagnostic services is critical to providing high-quality care, reducing waiting times for treatment and improving health outcomes.
Growing waits for MRI diagnostics inevitably leads to the prioritisation of urgent
access routes, leading people to wait longer for planned diagnostics. Longer waits for both diagnostics and care mean inconvenience and reduced patient satisfaction, for some it will mean deteriorating health and more severe illness.
By applying a Quality Improvement (QI) approach we aim to improve the timeliness of access to MRI examinations by reducing the number and duration of delays within the MRI diagnostic service.
the 1st phase will be to understand and quantify the reasons for delays and missed appointments, this will include engaging with hospital porter teams, reviewing the appointment scheduling process and the utalisation of body coils for MRI scanners.
What does your project aim to achieve?
the Project aims to improve the timeliness of access to MRI examinations by reducing the number and duration of delays within the MRI diagnostic service. this will be achieved through:
- Reducing waiting lists pre booking and waiting list validation
- Reducing delays in waiting for bloods results
- Validating the length of time for examinations
- Increasing the number of patient slots
- Improving communication with the Hospital Porter Teams
- Test psychological preparation program to reduce the need for sedation / general anesthetic in children
- Finance one off purchase of equipment, to reduce delays in waiting for correct coil to be available
How will the project be delivered?
The funding will facilitate the purchase additional scanner coils and enhancements to the electronic porter system.
The problem diagnosis phase will be a collaboration with Radiologists, Porter service, Administration, Radiographers and Service User representation from Service User Focus Group to measure and quantify the barriers and delays within the MRI process.
Opportunities to reduce waste and delays will be tested using the PDSA model at a small scale to test the impact of changes implemented and to monitor an unintended consequences.
How is your project going to share learning?
It is believed that there is significant interest in the outcomes of this project as there is very limited published in relation to process analysis of MRI activities.
Within the Southern Trust, quality improvement projects are summarised using a QI case study / poster this will be shared at the Annual Quality Improvement Event and at upcoming radiology conferences.
At a regional level the outcomes will be shared through the QSI NI Group, HSCQI and UK/Ireland specialist interest groups.
How you can contribute
- We are really keen to hear from anyone with experience in optimising the MRI Process
- Could you point us to any resources that would support our project
Plan timeline
| 30 Jun 2023 | Engage Service Users and Stakeholders |
|---|---|
| 30 Jun 2023 | Establish Radiology Project Board |
| 17 Aug 2023 | Data Collection - Quantify the reasons for delays and missed appointments |
| 30 Aug 2023 | Purchase MRI Equipment |
| 20 Sep 2023 | Develop and test new MRI practices (PDSA) |
| 16 Nov 2023 | Start initial PDSA testing (Associate Psychologist) |
| 31 Jan 2024 | Evaluate and refine change ideas |
| 29 Feb 2024 | Evaluate Project Outcomes |
| 29 Mar 2024 | sharing learning events and case study/report promotion |
Comments
Sinead Hannan 28 Mar 2023
This project will make a huge difference improving the patient's MRI journey. Integrating psychological interventions via the Associate Psychologist, will be a fantastic addition to the team reducing the need for children requiring GA, including children with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions ensuring equity of access.
Alan Hanna 27 Mar 2023
MRI is a crucial diagnostic modality used for all categories of patients. However, the growing demand has inevitably resulted in increased waiting times. Hopefully, the results of this research will help stream line the service and reduce the waiting times. I am sure all MRI departments will be interested in the results.
Alexandra Lipton 27 Mar 2023
This is an excellent approach to addressing the challenges of increased demand for mri
I'm sure the findings will lead to improved outcomes for the patient population
Gill Hodges 27 Mar 2023
the need to increase MRI workflow both in increased in equipment and workforce is evident and critical in addressing not only the general population but also improving access to timely cancer treatment
Joanne Knipe 27 Mar 2023
MRI as a modality has expanded and developed drastically over the last decade. We are in need of huge investment to deliver an effective and efficient service. This funding towards QI would definitely be beneficial towards improving delays.
Cora Regan 27 Mar 2023
MRI is key to both diagnosis and ongoing pathological surveillance. There needs to be much more investment in terms of both capital equipment and workforce to keep up with current and future demand.
Very interested to see the results from this great project!
Lauren Hutton 27 Mar 2023
An efficient effective MRI Service is a key element of many patient pathways. This project would vastly improve the service for the patients of the SHSCT.
Linda McCoy 27 Mar 2023
Definitely will be keeping an eye on this one, any process to improve efficiency in the patient pathway in diagnostics should be able to be replicated for other modalities also. A good learning opportunity for all departments not just MRI.
Eamer Moore 27 Mar 2023
MRI is becoming evermore central to the patient care pathway, a vital resource that must be prioritised for investment.
Helena Kinkaid 27 Mar 2023
I think this is a really good idea to help make the service more effecient and effective and at the same time ensuring the patients are seen in a more timely manner thus improving the patients quality of care. Hopefully this can be rolled out to other departments within radiology in the future.
Richard Gould 14 Mar 2023
MRI is a highly specialist type of imaging. Important for so many pathways including paediatrics and cancer . The demand has grown so much beyond capacity. I think there is really good learning for other MRI departments because this is a widespread challenge.
Tom Dockerty 12 Mar 2023
Following this with interest!
Jacqueline Morton 7 Mar 2023
Diagnostics are critical to the delivery of quality care, patient flow and experience. I am delighted to see an emphasis on problem diagnosis with all key stakeholders involved in understanding the problem and hopefully generating a range of change ideas that can be tested and tried.
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