Direct access and skillmix can reduce telephone interruptions and imaging wait times: improving radiology service effectiveness

Abstract

Background: The most common telephone calls during radiology reporting have been shown to be those requesting scans to be vetted. Recent Getting it Right the First Time and Sir Mike Richards’ reports emphasise that there has never been a more important time to streamline radiology workflow and maximise utilisation of existing resources, such as the digitised systems for requesting imaging tests and skillmix. What's more, telephone interruptions may be associated with a higher chance of an error in a report.