Korenoski, Amanda
(2015)
Getting patients from here to there: a collaboration of patient transportation and radiology departments to maximize efficiency.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Background: The patient transportation system within a large hospital is a very large and complex operation. Although this is an operational issue, there can be a significant impact on public health. In order to ensure patient satisfaction and minimize associated costs, efficiency is key. Public Health Relevance: The impact on public health is significant in two major ways. First, and most importantly, the health and well-being of the patient should always come first. Waiting for a long period of time can be a major dissatisfier for patients. In addition, delays in transportation not only delay the radiology scan or procedure, but they can also delay other important exams, procedures, or tests. The second major impact on public health is the rising cost of health care. Inefficiency, in any state, drives cost and should be continually improved upon. Methods: A prospective quality improvement initiative was developed to decrease extended patient transport times. Using predefined transportation time goals, outliers were assessed on a monthly basis. Several initiatives were implemented to help reduce the number of transports outside of these goals. Data was analyzed on a monthly basis and discussed at collaborative, interdepartmental work group meetings. Discussion: Approximately two-thirds of patient transports to the radiology department exceeded the goal transport time. These trips were further analyzed. Trips originating from Montefiore Hospital were longer than other trips. There were no specific trends to time of day. Specific, targeted interventions were implemented based on need. Overall, trips within goal have increased over the study period. Conclusion: Data analysis, interdepartmental collaboration, and work process improvement tools can be utilized to decrease the time it takes to transport a patient to the radiology department. Further analysis and continued outlier management will be crucial to continue this trend.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Rohrer, Wesley | wmrun@pitt.edu | WMRUN | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Rajgopal, Jayant | gunner1@pitt.edu | GUNNER1 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Salley, Verlon | salleyve@upmc.edu | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
23 April 2015 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Publisher: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management |
| Degree: |
MHA - Master of Health Administration |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Date Deposited: |
19 Oct 2015 16:05 |
| Last Modified: |
20 Apr 2023 11:57 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24578 |
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