Advanced Analytics Tools Guide Clinical MRI Protocol Optimization and Quantify Value

Motivation: Quantifying clinical MRI utilization is essential to identifying opportunities to improve workflow and efficiency and contribute to better patient access and increased value. Goal(s): We aim to demonstrate the benefits of analytics tools to measure utilization and guide protocol optimization. Approach: An advanced analytics methodology was developed to identify workflow improvements and measure the impact of protocol interventions. Results: We quantified the impact of three interventions: 1) MR enterography protocol modification, 2) focused protocols for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, and 3) improved communication strategies for oblique image prescription for rectal cancer staging. All interventions were shown to improve MRI workflow and reduce exam time. Impact: It is currently challenging to quantify the utilization of clinical MRI exams. Through the use of analytics tools to characterize MR exam utilization, opportunities for improvement can be identified. Such tools are essential to improve the value of MRI.