Relevant factors and optimization in the management of a PET/CT facility

Objectives: To analyze the whole PET/CT imaging protocol from patient’s registration to the end of the exam in order to optimize the use of such device. Methods: Data from June to July 2010 and from September to October 2010 were acquired, evaluating the time required by every step of the patient pathway. After the first data acquisition, we identified critical elements connected with the execution of the exams. Results: The results of the first data acquisition reported 12 daily performed exams. By reducing patient turnover time and consequently the device downtime, patient turnover time dropped from 6 min to only 3 min while device downtime dropped from 2 h and 30 min to 1 h and 20 min between the first and the second data collection. The number of daily performed exams increased from 12 to 14. Conclusions: The results show how the analysis of a complex study process such as PET/CT and a continuous activity control allow the identification of critical organizational and structural issues providing necessary information to the optimization in the use of devices with a clear value in public health, in large benefits for the patients and improved management results.