Integration of a newmobile application for medical communication in an academic radiology department

Congress:

ECR 2019

Poster Number:

C-1125

Type:

Scientific Exhibit

Keywords:

Workforce, Technical aspects, Efficacy studies, Computer Applications-General, Teleradiology, eHealth, Computer applications

Authors:

K. Daneshvar¹, A. Lavrova², P. Lombardo¹, J. Heverhagen¹, H. von Tengg-Kobligk¹; ¹Bern/CH, ²Saint-Petersburg/RU

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2019/C-1125

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2019/C-1125

Fig. 1: Distribution of occupations within the questionnaire

Fig. 2: Average number of calls/pages per hour

Fig. 3: Percentage of the calls/pages to which immediate reaction is needed

Fig. 4: Percentage of calls that interrupt patient care, planning protocolling

Aims and objectives

Radiologists are facing daily a plethora of interruptions from different sources during their working process, which may be associated with negative outcomes or an increased quantity of medical errors. This pilot evaluated the impact of a secure medical digital communication application (App) looking at the number of calls/pages and interruptions that took place within our academic imaging institute. Further aspects of professional communication, as well as App user experience, were evaluated.

Methods and materials

The App was based on a secured messaging platform adapted to our institute`s needs and enabled secured instant communication allowing access via iOS and desktop. The research study took place in 3 stages: assessing the communication status quo in the DIPR Institute, introducing the Komed Health application, and assessing the communication in DIPR with the Komed Health application. Key users were identified among radiographers, radiologists and administration including the front office.  The research study’s 3 stages had the following timely distribution: - 15.01.2018 – 19.01.2018...

Results

First research phase – Complete data and figures Results obtained by questionnaire. Questionnaire in-depth results Out of 63 people questioned in the prior to introduction of Komed Health survey, 27 DIPR staff members reported they are not satisfied with the communication efficiency in DIPR, 22 others reported feeling neutral. We received 63 responses to the questionnaire. 27 responses came from MTRAs, 14 from residents and 22 from consultants. MTRAs are often interrupted – several estimates that between 60 and 80% of calls and pages interrupt...

Conclusion

The effects of the tested App on work communication within the institute were complex, multidirectional and followed a few clear trends. This also applied to the number of calls/pages and interruptions. Several benefits were recognized: communication between radiologists and MTRAs improved with fewer interruptions, the benefit of reachability and transparency concerning availability, as well as the acceleration of several clinical workflows like admission, protocol and transfer. There were three big limitations that affected the implementation of App: (1) the staff used their personal mobile devices...

Personal information

References

The Impact Of The Komed Health Application On Medical Communication. A Qualitative And Quantitative Investigation In The Radiology Clinic Of The Inselspital, University Hospital Of Bern, Switzerland. 2018. Bern, Switzerland: Luiza Dobre, Marc Bornträger.