Radiologic team performance index: A new paradigm in KPI evaluating radiology examination volumes department performance: Results of Sicilian regional healthcare system survey

Abstract

Background: Efficient management of Radiologic Operative Units (ROU) because population health needs increase while healthcare systems provide less resources expendable in technologies and employee. Purpose: Create a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) defined Radiologic Team Performance Index (RTPI) able to compare the activity and efficiency of ROU operating under different environments and with different resources. Methodology/Approach: A survey was conducted in Sicilian Public Healthcare System on behalf of Sicilian Group of Italian Society of Medical Radiology (SIRM) for a total of 63 investigated ROU. Obtained informations concern workforce, emergency care organization, technologies available and radiologic examination volumes. Results: Investigated ROU demonstrated that, according to best practices, while professionals were correctly performing their institutional due activity, available technologies were generally used for less of 50% of thier operative capacity, pointing to a big issue due to the mismatch between machines and professionals using them. Lastly RTPI was calculated with a mean result, per district, of at least nine points. Conclusion: The RTPI demonstrates its usefulness in ROU activity evaluation facilitating facilitate comparisons between them. Practice Implications: Regional Healthcare decision-makers should take into account obtained information during territorial radiology network planning and resources allocation.