Citations 2
Leveling the Workload for Radiologists in Diagnostic Mammography: Application of Lean Principles and Heijunka
Conners, Amy Lynn , Clark, Sean E, Brandt, Kathleen R. , Hunt, Katie N. , Chida, Linda, Tibor, Laura C. , Ruter, Royce, Khanani, Sadia, Conners, Amy L , Chida, Linda M, Ruter, Royce L, Khanani, Sadia A, Clark, Sean E.
Journal of Breast Imaging | December 22, 2021 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 61-69
Abstract To facilitate the delivery of accurate and timely care to patients in complex environments, process improvement methodologies such as Lean can be very effective. Lean is a quality improvement methodology that seeks to add value for patients and employees by continuously improving processes and eliminating waste. At our institution, Lean principles were applied to improve efficiency and minimize waste in the diagnostic breast imaging reading room. This paper describes how we applied Lean principles, including plan-do-study-act testing, level-loading (heijunka), and visual management, to level the workload of the diagnostic radiologists in our practice. Implementation of these principles to improve the diagnostic workflow in breast imaging is described along with examples from our practice, including challenges and future opportunities.
Basics of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) and applications in breast imaging
Choudhery, Sadia, Hanson, Amber L., Stellmaker, Jessica A. , Ness, Jaysen, Chida, Linda, Conners, Amy Lynn
The British Journal of Radiology | November 25, 2020 | Volume: 94 | Issue: 1119 | Pages: No page available
Time-drive activity-based costing (TDABC) is a practical way of calculating costs, decreasing waste, and improving efficiency. Although TDABC has been utilized in other service industries for years, it has only recently gained attention in healthcare. In this review article, we define the basic concepts and steps of TDABC and provide examples for applications in breast imaging.