Brainstorming Our Way to Improved Quality, Safety, and Resident Wellness in a Resource-Limited Emergency Department

Abstract

PurposeTo implement a more efficient standardized computed tomography (CT) protocoling system for emergency department (ED) patients in order to improve resident work satisfaction and wellness, and decrease lag time between ordering and protocoling a study. Methods and MaterialsResidents recorded lag times between time of order and time of protocol for 176 CT scans between November 2018 and January 2019. Pre- and postintervention resident surveys of 7 questions utilizing a 5-point Likert scale were used to assess the perceived efficiency and overall satisfaction with the protocolling system. CT technologists received a 2-step Standardized ED CT Protocoling Guidance Sheet for common indications and would consult the radiologist for any questions. ResultsLag time between order and protocol averaged 17.8 minutes. Postintervention surveys demonstrated that residents were more satisfied with the new system (100% vs 6.1%), had an overall higher job satisfaction in the ED (91% vs 12.1%), thought the system was more efficient for a single study (100% vs 15.2%) and for an entire shift (100% vs 6.1%), volume of studies was maximized (91% vs 6.1%), and the workflow allowed residents to focus on interpreting studies and communicating findings (91% vs 3%). ConclusionThe implementation of an auto-protocolling system at our institution's ED took a system which was disruptive, inefficient, and unreliable, and eliminated both lag time and variation in time between ordering and protocoling, improving time to final report. It simultaneously decreased interruptions, allowing residents to focus on study interpretation, which increased resident work satisfaction, wellness, and educational benefit.