Effect of film-based versus filmless operation on the productivity of CT technologists

PURPOSE: To determine the relative time required for a technologist to perform a computed tomographic (CT) examination in a "filmless" versus a film-based environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time-motion studies were performed in 204 consecutive CT examinations. Images from 96 examinations were electronically transferred to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) without being printed to film, and 108 were printed to film. The time required to obtain and electronically transfer the images or print the images to film and make the current and previous studies available to the radiologists for interpretation was recorded. RESULTS: The time required for a technologist to complete a CT examination was reduced by 45% with direct image to the PACS compared with the time required in the film-based mode. This reduction was due to the elimination of a number of steps in the filming process, such as the printing at multiple window or level settings. CONCLUSION: The use of a PACS can result in the elimination of multiple time-intensive tasks for the CT technologist, resulting in a marked reduction in examination time. This reduction can result in increased productivity, and, hence greater cost-effectiveness with filmless operation.