Expediting Patient Care Through Improved BI-RADS Finalization
Leica Biosystems working in partnership with Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), conducted process assessments to analyze the timeliness treatment for breast cancer patients. We identified a lack of standardized processes for conduction of imaging services and elongated time to diagnosis. The Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI-RADs) is the standardized method to record findings on imaging studies. A primary area of concern was identified in patients receiving a BI-RADs rating of “0”. A BI-RAD 0 means the patient requires additional imaging to make a final determination as to radiologic findings, thus contributing to the timeliness to treatment.
METHODS
Leica Biosystems’ team of clinical and process experts spent time observing processes, from the time a patient entered the imaging suite, until the time their diagnosis and treatment plan were ready for delivery. Data and information collected from SOMC showed the time from receipt of an imaging BI-RAD of 0 to a final BI-RAD rating took an average of 26.10 days. Data from The Advisory Board sites a national average of 6.5 days.
A multi-disciplinary team of process and SOMC clinical experts implemented the following process improvements: utilization of lean principles for patient management, better coordination of staff and radiologist schedules, standardizing the process for prior authorizations, and confirming appropriate metrics are monitored.
RESULTS
Data for patients with a BI-RAD of “0” to a final rating
2018
Average of 26.10 days; Median of 16.5 days
2019
Average of 7.5 days; Median of 6.5 days
CONCLUSION
Patients will receive more timely care and experience less anxiety by expediting care through the imaging process. Applying lean principles of process improvement and implementing internal changes will result in improved timeliness and efficiency with care delivery.
Projections and Realized Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions.
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