title: Effects on cervical cytology screening productivity associated with implementation of the BD FocalPoint™ Guided Screener Imaging System.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Automated screening will become important due to an aging workforce, declining numbers of new cytotechnologists, and the need for increased screening sensitivity in the vaccine era, where high-grade abnormalities will decline. This study documents workload in gynecologic cytology throughput before and after the implementation of the BD FocalPoint™ Guided Screener (GS) System.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected daily screening data from 3 time periods: the 12 months prior to GS implementation, the 6 months immediately after implementation, and the ensuing 7-18 months after implementation. Data was tabulated at the individual and total laboratory levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 6-month period immediately following implementation, productivity increased in 3 of 5 cytotechnologists, as compared to the figures 12 months before implementation. The laboratory increased productivity slightly (+2.4%), with individual changes ranging from -6.9 to +14.7%. In the 7- to 18-month 'mature' period after implementation, productivity increased in all 5 cytotechnologists with an average of +15.4%. Individual increases ranged from +6.1 to +26.9%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall productivity increased in the period beyond 6 months, and this increase was eventually noted in all personnel. Increased productivity was associated with a short period of learning in which the magnitude of the effect was less than in the mature period.
authors: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Brenda J
authors: BJ
authors: Sweeney
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Wilbur
mesh_terms: D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004526:Efficiency; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D059032:Learning Curve; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016526:Workload