title: A Business Analytics Software Tool for Monitoring and Predicting Radiology Throughput Performance.
abstract: Business analytics (BA) is increasingly being utilised by radiology departments to analyse and present data. It encompasses statistical analysis, forecasting and predictive modelling and is used as an umbrella term for decision support and business intelligence systems. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether utilising BA technologies could contribute towards improved decision support and resource management within radiology departments. A set of information technology requirements were identified with key stakeholders, and a prototype BA software tool was designed, developed and implemented. A qualitative evaluation of the tool was carried out through a series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Feedback was collated, and emergent themes were identified. The results indicated that BA software applications can provide visibility of radiology performance data across all time horizons. The study demonstrated that the tool could potentially assist with improving operational efficiencies and management of radiology resources.
authors.affiliation: Réiteach Computer Systems, Anfield House, Baldonnell Business Park, Naas Road, Dublin 22, Ireland. stephen.jones@reiteach.ie.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Imaging Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
authors.forename: Seán
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cournane
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Imaging Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
authors.forename: Niall
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sheehy
authors.affiliation: Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hederman
mesh_terms: D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011859:Radiography; D011871:Radiology; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012984:Software
keywords: Analytics; Business analytics; Business intelligence; Decision support; Digital dashboard; OLAP; Operational efficiencies; Predictive analysis; Waiting lists