Critical Performance Aspects Research Articles

Improved radiology film library operations.

An interdisciplinary task force at the authors' institution developed a design for a new film library that placed heavy emphasis on service to its customers. The task force established locations and staffing for "satellite" inpatient film libraries organized by clinical specialties. Inpatient films were not permitted to be taken from the radiology department but were available for 24-hour viewing. Film locations were recorded in the radiology information system. Reorganization led to important improvements in film library operations and in the clinical staff's opinion of film library service. Objective measures of performance, such as the fraction of requested films available for conferences, showed significant improvement (P less than .001). Closer working relationships developed between film librarians, radiologists, and their clinical colleagues. Film library personnel were recruited more easily and stayed on the job longer. Several hundred thousand film-tracking transactions per year were recorded. The authors conclude that decentralization of certain film library activities improved many critical aspects of performance.

Laboratory Measurements of Eggshell Strength: 1. An Instrument for Measuring Shell Strength by Quasi-Static Compression, Puncture, and Non-Destructive Deformation

A new eggshell strength testing apparatus is reported that was designed to meet known requirements. The apparatus is compact, portable, and can test at least 180 eggs/hr using either the compression, puncture, or non-destructive deformation methods of measuring shell strength. The puncture or compression tests can be combined with the deformation test in one operation. The equipment operates semi-automatically using two operators, one to load and test the eggs and the second to record the data. Critical performance aspects were examined, and the results demonstrate that the apparatus applies closely controlled test conditions and that the recording equipment registers force and deformation precisely.