Implementation of 24/7 radiology services in an academic medical centre level 1 @entity130 centre: impact on XXXX resuscitation unit length of stay and economic benefit analysis.

@entity1 @entity130
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of 24/7 radiology services on @entity130 resuscitation unit (TRU) length of stay (LOS) for @entity1 with minor @entity130 and to analyse the economic benefits of such an impact from @entity130 centre perspective. METHODS: The study was HIPAA compliant and had IRB approval. Data were extracted from hospital and radiology information systems. Inclusion criteria specified @entity1 : (a) with minor @entity130 (i.e., Injury Severity Score<16 and Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale<4); (b) cross-sectional imaging performed between 12 and 7AM; and (c) admission during 2006 (before 24/7 coverage; comparison group 1) or 2007 (24/7 coverage). Mean, median, standard deviation, and variance for the groups were determined. The theoretical economic benefit achieved with 24/7 radiology coverage was estimated from decreases in TRU LOS for each @entity1 . RESULTS: Totals of 1087 and 1323 @entity1 for 2006 and 2007, respectively, met our selection criteria. Mean TRU LOS decreased from 11.19 to 8.25 h (26%; P<0.001). The median decreased from 10.8 to 7.2 h (33%; P<0.001). The (Q3-Q1) indicator, used as a proxy for variance and spread, decreased from 7.36 to 5.76 h. Theoretical economic benefits from 24/7 radiology coverage were achieved by the product of TRU bed fixed costs with mean decrease in TRU LOS for the calendar year 2007, which equaled  340,069. CONCLUSION: The economic benefits of 24/7 radiology services are related to LOS, which can be shortened by limiting @entity1 discharge delays resulting from report unavailability. This can be a cost-saving replacement for conventional radiology practice when the @entity130 centre makes appropriate use of vacant TRU beds to realise its opportunity cost.
