CTC service heterogeneity and design of a workforce calculator

Abstract

To determine the level of heterogeneity in delivery of computed tomography (CT) colonography services and develop a workforce calculator that accommodates the variation identified. A national survey, based on the "WHO workforce indicators of staffing need", established activity standards for essential tasks in delivery of the service. From these data a workforce calculator was designed to guide the required staffing and equipment resource by service size. Activity standards were established as mode responses >70%. Service homogeneity was greater in areas where professional standards and guidance were available. The mean service size was 1,101. Did not attend (DNA) rates were lower where direct booking was available (p<0.0001). Service sizes were larger where radiographer reporting was embedded in reporting paradigms (p<0.024). The survey identified benefits of radiographer-led direct booking and reporting. The workforce calculator derived from the survey provides a framework to guide the resourcing of expansion while maintaining standards.