How to Reduce Head CT Orders in Children with Hydrocephalus Using the Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Experience at a Major Quaternary Care Academic Children’s Center

Fellows’ Journal Club

The authors describe a Lean Six Sigma project with the goal of reducing the relative use of pediatric head CTs in their population of patients with hydrocephalus by 50% within 6 months. The existing baseline imaging practice for hydrocephalus was outlined in a Kaizen session, and potential interventions were discussed. An improved radiation-free workflow with ultrafast MR imaging was created. Baseline data were collected for 3 months by using the departmental radiology information system and data collection continued postintervention and during the control phase. The improved workflow resulted in a 75% relative reduction in the percentage of hydrocephalus imaging performed by CT between the pre- and postintervention/control phases. The authors conclude that the lean interventions in the pediatric hydrocephalus care pathway resulted in a significant reduction in head CT orders.

Abstract

Improved workflow for the hydrocephalus imaging pathway. Imaging technologists are required to respond in a timely fashion. In case they could not respond on time, their phone numbers are outlined so that the ordering units can follow-up on their orders. HMED indicates HealthMatics Emergency Department (Allscripts, Chicago, Illinois); POE, Physician Order Entry; EPIC, Epic Systems (Madison, Wisconsin); ASCOM, tel.
Improved workflow for the hydrocephalus imaging pathway. Imaging technologists are required to respond in a timely fashion. In case they could not respond on time, their phone numbers are outlined so that the ordering units can follow-up on their orders. HMED indicates HealthMatics Emergency Department (Allscripts, Chicago, Illinois); POE, Physician Order Entry; EPIC, Epic Systems (Madison, Wisconsin); ASCOM, tel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lean Six Sigma methodology is increasingly used to drive improvement in patient safety, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness throughout the US health care delivery system. To demonstrate our value as specialists, radiologists can combine lean methodologies along with imaging expertise to optimize imaging elements-of-care pathways. In this article, we describe a Lean Six Sigma project with the goal of reducing the relative use of pediatric head CTs in our population of patients with hydrocephalus by 50% within 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We applied a Lean Six Sigma methodology using a multidisciplinary team at a quaternary care academic children’s center. The existing baseline imaging practice for hydrocephalus was outlined in a Kaizen session, and potential interventions were discussed. An improved radiation-free workflow with ultrafast MR imaging was created. Baseline data were collected for 3 months by using the departmental radiology information system. Data collection continued postintervention and during the control phase (each for 3 months). The percentage of neuroimaging per technique (head CT, head ultrasound, ultrafast brain MR imaging, and routine brain MR imaging) was recorded during each phase.

RESULTS

The improved workflow resulted in a 75% relative reduction in the percentage of hydrocephalus imaging performed by CT between the pre- and postintervention/control phases (Z-test, P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our lean interventions in the pediatric hydrocephalus care pathway resulted in a significant reduction in head CT orders and increased use of ultrafast brain MR imaging.

 

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How to Reduce Head CT Orders in Children with Hydrocephalus Using the Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Experience at a Major Quaternary Care Academic Children’s Center
Jeffrey Ross
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