EFFECT OF FILM-BASED VERSUS FILMLESS OPERATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OFCT TECHNOLOGISTS

PURPOSE: To determine the relative time required for a technologist to perform a computed tomographic (CT) examination in a ''filmless'' ver sus a film-based environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time-motion studi es were performed in 204 consecutive CT examinations. Images from 96 e xaminations were electronically transferred to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) without being printed to film, and 108 we re printed to film. The time required to obtain and electronically tra nsfer the images or print the images to film and make the current and previous studies available to the radiologists for interpretation was recorded. RESULTS: The time required for a technologist to complete a CT examination was reduced by 45% with direct image to the PACS compar ed with the time required in the film-based mode. This reduction was d ue to the elimination of a number of steps in the filming process, suc h as the printing at multiple window or level settings. CONCLUSION: Th e use of a PACS can result in the elimination of multiple time-intensi ve tasks for the CT technologist, resulting in a marked reduction in e xamination time. This reduction can result in increased productivity, and, hence greater cost-effectiveness with filmless operation.