Evaluating MRI and CT scan scheduling workflows: A retrospective analysis

Background and objective: Effective management of MRI and CT scan scheduling workflows is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to analyze the scheduling workflows for MRI and CT scans in two major government hospitals in Saudi Arabia by assessing the time intervals from physician request to exam execution. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. The study included all patients who underwent MRI or CT scans at the selected hospitals. The following three main intervals were analyzed: Days from Request to Appointment (DRA), Days from Appointment to Scheduled (DAS), and Days from Scheduled to Performed (DSP). Results: The CT scans had a mean DRA of 2.67 days (SD = 18.13) and a mean DAS of 5.25 days (SD = 20.19). The DSP for both scans was less than one day, indicating that scans are typically performed on the same day they are scheduled. The MRI scans showed a mean DRA of 11.10 days and a DAS of 20.25 days, with a similarly quick DSP. Overall, CT scans had shorter and less variable waiting times than MRI scans. The study also noted a significant drop in scans during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a gradual return to normal volumes. Conclusion: The MRI scans typically experience longer and more variable durations compared to CT scans. Employing timestamps has proven effective in breaking down these waiting periods into distinct stages to provide a clear view of delays. This detailed analysis provides actionable insights for targeting key issues, guiding decisions to improve scheduling efficiency and ultimately reduce patient waiting times.