Purpose or Case Report:
To maximize the usage of our dose monitoring system, we will demonstrate different reports and dashboards that can be created to measure staff productivity, resource usage, protocol deviation and dose alerts. We are able to calculate cumulative dose to the patient on exams performed within our network. We will also discuss the electronic protocol book that is available in the dose monitoring program.
Methods & Materials: When entering data in to the dose tracking program it is beneficial to have a medical physicist, a manager and a technologist on the team. A Radiologist input is required for setting dose ranges, but not required for database build. A robust server is required so that data can be entered and collated in an efficient manner. This is a vendor neutral program and we were able to upload protocols and data from several vendors and sites. Single user should be entered on scanner for technologist initials to keep the database manageable. Most RIS systems allow for second technologist or supporting staff entries.
Results:
Ability to track tech productivity. Key if your institution does not have a RIS system.
Ability to track patterns of dose deviation from established ranges per exam protocol
Ability to track patterns of protocol deviation by tech which allows for re-education of team member
Ability to have dose information in a centralized location so cumulative doses can be established for parent or MD inquiries.
Cumulative dose readings can be obtained for single facility or multiple facilities (network)
Online protocol book for consistent scan ranges, required multi-planar reformats (MPR) and retrospective data sets.
Dose alerts to designated members
Ability to view the same protocol, different parameters due to different vendors configurations
Customizable dashboards for end user presentations
Can track protocol changes over time for dose reduction
Conclusions: With the ability to run data driven reports we are able to look at staffing models, equipment usage and protocol adherence. This resource allows us to view protocol doses in one centralized location, keeping the scanners free for direct patient care. We are able to take this data to the protocol committee meetings, discuss recommended changes, and then make said changes on the scanner during slower periods. With the ability to run reports we are now also able to provide families and MD’s with a cumulative dose that the patient has received across the radiation modalities and/or site locations.