P068] Management of clinical MRI workflow and gadolinium dosing using a dedicated software tool

Abstract

Purpose To ensure the place of MRI in the future of value-based healthcare, patient safety and cost-efficiency needs to be increased. It has been shown in other imaging modalities, that accessible management software-tools provide insights into everyday workflow, and facilitate optimization of practices [1] . In this study, we demonstrate the added value of such software in a clinical MRI setting. Methods DICOM data from 3 months was automatically collected from 3 Siemens MR systems (1.5T, two 3T) on a server, using software from GE Healthcare. Operational and clinical data (procedure- and sequence-timing, gadolinium contrast agents (GDCA) volume, etc.) was extracted in excel-format. Descriptive statistics of MRI workflow were generated, and the administration of GDCA was compared to standards [2] . Results Data from 3409 MRI procedures was collected; 2733 (80,2%) were performed without GDCA, 659 (19,3%) and 1 ( [1] . In only 0,4% of GDCA enhanced procedures the maximum allowed injected volume was exceeded. However, in 56,4% of cases the injected volume was larger than the guideline [2] prescribes, indicating optimization possibilities. When excluding overnight stops, between-patient time was significantly different between one of the 3T scanners and the 1.5T scanner (averages 14m34s and 16m6s; t-test p-value = 0,006). Opportunities for optimizing patient-throughput are to be investigated; minimizing between-patient time can increase cost-efficiency. Conclusions Easy data-access on GDCA administration is of interest because of recent concerns about their safety [3] . Volume of GDCA can be readily tracked and optimized using this software, showing its contribution to patient safety. Additionally, between-patient time can be monitored and minimized to increase cost-efficiency. Future work will be focused on further development of features for patient safety (SAR levels, contrast allergies, implant safety).