[Prospective cost-benefit analysis of a fully digitized working environment in an ultrasound division applying process simulation].
OBJECTIVE
Quantification of expected savings of work load and personnel costs after implementation of a digital infrastructure in an ultrasound division of a radiology department.


METHODS
The work flow of an ultrasound examination was simulated by means of a computer model. After validation, the computer model was modified to represent a work flow with PACS, electronic patient record, and automatic scheduling. The simulation results of work load, equipment utilization, and personnel costs were compared for both scenarios.


RESULTS
The total number of work steps was reduced from 29 in the conventional scenario to 14 work steps in the scenario with digital infrastructure. The work load of administrative activities decreased by 89 % whereas the work load of activities directly related to the ultrasound examination remained unchanged. The productive personnel costs declined from euro; 24 to euro; 16 per examination. The gross labor costs declined from euro; 33 to euro; 20 per examination. Given unchanged equipment and number of patients, the required number of physicians can be reduced from 3 to 2 and that of technicians from 2 to 1 by use of a digital infrastructure.


CONCLUSIONS
A digital infrastructure possesses a great potential for efficiency provided that it is implemented comprehensively and the work flow is adapted utilizing the capabilities of automation in all work processes.
Gillessen
C
C
AG Digitale Radiologie, Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität Berlin.
Teichgräber
U K
UK
Neumann
F
F
Ricke
J
J
Felix
R
R
D001331:Automation; D003199:Computer Systems; D003363:Cost Control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics*; D000078329:Workforce; D016526:Workload