title: Affinity Chart Analysis: A Method for Structured Collection, Aggregation, and Response to Customer Needs in Radiology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to analyze implementation of the voice-of-the-customer method to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting delivered by a radiology department and to plan improvements on the basis of referring physicians' preferences.
  
  
  METHODS
  The voice-of-the-customer method consisted of discovery, analysis, and optimization phases. Fifty referring physicians were invited to be interviewed. Interviews addressed the topics of structure, process, outcome, and support. Interviews were dissected into individual statements categorized as fact or feeling. Statements were grouped to find collective voices. Improvements were compiled from affinity charts and were processed by identifying insights.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-four percent (47/50) of physicians participated, generating 352 statements (81 facts and 271 feelings) that subsequently underwent affinity chart clustering. The resultant affinity charts covered distinct themes: "we need you to know us better," "we need you to consider our workflow," "we need more from your services," "we want to review your data in certain ways," and "we want to do more with you." As a result of the insights gained, the following optimizations were implemented: a software application that improves study requesting, performance tracking, study prioritization, and longitudinal data archiving; six prototype reports containing tabulated data and annotated images; two prototype longitudinal reporting templates assessing aneurysm evolution and treatment-induced changes in organ size over time; and a teaching curriculum for trainees.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has shown the clinical feasibility to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting and to implement improvements of and investments in image postprocessing and reporting infrastructure on the basis of referring physicians' preferences using the voice-of-the-customer method.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.|2 Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel, BS 4031, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Daniel T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Boll
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
authors.forename: Geoffrey D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel, BS 4031, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heye
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Pierce
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003254:Consumer Advocacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057225:Data Mining / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009657:North Carolina; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000072177:Radiologists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: data postprocessing; quality; reporting