Performance Metrics / Indicators & Benchmarking Project

It is recognised that the collection and analysis of performance metrics / performance indicators is an important first step in the application of the quality cycle in practice to improve patient care, i.e. measure performance, analyze issues, develop solutions, implement changes and monitor outcomes. The IRQN supports a systematic and holistic approach to examine the microprocesses involved in the delivery of radiology services from procedure request to report finalization and to identify those important, useful and measurable PM/PIs to be developed. Radiologists play an important leading role in many of these processes but other factors and stakeholders are also involved which can influence the overall outcome.

In 2007, an IRQN Performance Metrics / Indicators & Benchmarking Project workshop was held. The participants reported the workshop outcomes to the IRQN members in a subsequent meeting. The IRQN members agreed to undertake a pilot project on performance metrics / performance indicators by initially developing and defining an indicator and piloting data collection. These steps will help to identify the issues involved with such multi-national, multi-facility undertaking prior to the development of a more comprehensive benchmarking project internationally.

The Performance Metrics and Indicators Project Workgroup selected the turn around times (TATs) for radiology reports over a one month period as the metrics to be benchmarked. Thirteen institutions from three continents took part in a trial in 2007. The network is grateful to the participants and the expert assistance provided by the American College of Radiology in data collection and analysis. Based on the trial experience, data collection and methodology are being refined. RIS vendors provide TAT data differently; e.g. either as % reported in 24, 48 or 72 hours or the average time required to generate a report in-hours or after-hours. The IRQN will collaborate with the industry leaders to harmonize these data in future software updates to facilitate and streamline benchmarking.

The network is preparing to launch this project in the second half of 2008 and is aiming at 100 participating facilities world wide. The TAT data collected is small subset of the routine statistics generated by the facility’s RIS at the end of each month. Therefore, the additional effort for the participating facility is minimal. Participation is voluntary and will be based on RIS vendors’ introduction, direct recruitment through members of the Performance Metrics and Indicators Workgroup and newsletters.

The project will provide us with a better insight into the performance of different types of facilities across the globe. Each facility can benchmark its performance against other similar facilities and identify areas of improvement. Each facility’s participation will be acknowledged and the data collected will remain confidential. After analysis, each participant will receive a report containing its own and de-identified aggregated data for comparison.

If you are interested, please provide the name of your facility and the contact details for the principle liaison person to Laura Coombs Ph.D. at: lcoombs@acr.org by 31st July 2008. We will communicate and provide your liaison with project details which will include the sampling month and a concise data sheet to be completed. The Workgroup looks forward to hearing from and working with you in the very near future.

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