The pre-CT checklist: A simple tool to improve workflow and patient safety in an outpatient CT setting

Abstract

PurposeWe aim to share our experience with implementation of a simple checklist to improve workflow and safety in patients scheduled for outpatient CT.Methods: After identification of several recurrent problems leading to study delays or cancellation, a pre-CT checklist to be used by designated CT technologist in advance of patients' scheduled appointment was designed with input from CT technologists, radiologists, schedulers and nurses. ResultsImplementation of the checklist led to further actions in 25.9% of cases. The most common actions were calls to referring providers to modify or clarify an order (24.3%), followed by verification of proper premedication in patients with allergy to iodinated contrast (12.7%) and contacting the radiologist for protocolling (12.7%). ConclusionsImplementation of a pre-CT checklist that can be tailored to individual practices has potential to improve patients' safety and experience as well as providing a more efficient clinical operation. Summary sentenceWe present an easy-to-implement checklist to maximize CT throughput in an outpatient setting that can be customized to the needs of individual institutions and has the potential to improve patients' safety and experience.