Efficiency analysis of a multi-specialty telemedicine service.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this project was to assess case turn-around times for store-and-forward and real-time video consultations in the Arizona Telemedicine Program.


METHODS
Five components contributing to total case turn-around time were analyzed. Each parameter was submitted to statistical analysis and compared for store-and-forward and real-time sessions.


RESULTS
Turn-around for real-time are longer than for store-and-forward sessions. Real-time sessions take longer, from when the consulting clinician is contacted to the time the case is reviewed. This is compounded by the fact that real-time sessions sometimes need to be rescheduled. For both types of consults, the time to deliver the final report is the longest segment of the total turn-around time.


CONCLUSIONS
Several factors contribute to case turn-around times. By identifying and analyzing each contributing factor, it is possible to revise consult protocols to improve efficiency.
Krupinski
E
E
Arizona Telemedicine Program, University of Arizona and Department of Radiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Webster
P
P
Dolliver
M
M
Weinstein
R S
RS
Lopez
A M
AM
D001130:Arizona; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors