An Efficient Workflow

Having so many protocols might suggest a negative impact on workflow, but that’s not the case. Workflow actually improves. The first major advantage is that each protocol is tailored to a particular clinical indication. These are often straightforward (such as a known cancer follow-up) and we only employ a single scan sequence. This eliminates those multiple sequence studies that are not needed for diagnosis. Fewer sequences performed means a lower dose to the patient, and a shorter study length. At many centers, the technologist is left to arbitrarily modify the protocol based on patient weight or BMI. The quality of the scan and dose are then highly dependent on their knowledge and expertise. That’s a big responsibility and our protocols take out the guess work. The scanner user-interface presents the operator with the option of various clinical protocols. Once one is selected and a scout image is obtained, the technologist specifies the body-size-specific protocol based on patient measurements and proceeds with the scan. No time is wasted experimenting with the settings, and the scan is accomplished with the optimal dose for that patient and that clinical indication. Additionally, with timely advanced radiologist protocoling (motivated by insurance pre-approval process), the technologists know exactly how long the patient preparation and the CT scan will take. This benefits patient scheduling and streamlines workflow. The ultimate goal is to provide a scan that allows a confident diagnosis with an appropriately low dose. The focus in CT has shifted. Just a few years ago, it was on increasing the number of slices and getting better resolution. Now it’s time to pull back from the over pursuit of detail.  We want to make the diagnosis accurately and quickly, and do it at an appropriate dose.