[Breakeven Analysis for Imaging Devices: Basic Introduction with Presentation of a User-Friendly Tool for in-clinic Calculation Using PET/CT as an Example]. / Gewinnschwellenanalyse bei Bildgebungsgeräten: Grundlegende Einführung mit Vorstellung eines nutzungsfreundlichen Tools zur klinikinternen Kalkulation am Beispiel PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: Imaging devices such as PET/CT are becoming increasingly important in view of the growing range of innovative nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures. Since the procurement and commissioning as well as the ongoing operation of imaging devices leads to comparatively high costs, it is of great interest for clinics and practices to know the number of scans from which the (planned) device operation leads to a profit. In the following, we will introduce the breakeven point analysis and present a calculation tool that users in nuclear medicine clinics and practices can use in everyday operations using PET/CT as an example. METHODS: In the breakeven point analysis, the intersection point is determined from which the organisation- or device-specific revenues exceed the total costs incurred for personnel, material resources, etc. For this purpose, the fixed and variable (planned) cost components for the procurement and operation of the device must be prepared on the cost side and the respective device-related (planned) revenue structure on the revenue side. RESULTS: The authors present the break-even analysis method with the data processing required for this using the example of the planned procurement or ongoing operation of a PET/CT. In addition, a calculation tool was developed, that interested users can use to prepare a device-specific break-even analysis. For this purpose, various cost and revenue data are discussed, which have to be compiled and processed within the clinic and entered into prepared spreadsheets. CONCLUSION: The breakeven point analysis can be used to determine the profit/loss (point) for the (planned) operation of imaging devices such as PET/CT. Users from imaging clinics/practices and administration can adapt the calculation tool presented to their specific facility and thus use it as a basic document for both the planned procurement and the ongoing operational control of imaging devices in everyday clinical practice.

Workflow efficiency of two 1.5 T MR scanners with and without an automated user interface for head examinations.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Workflow efficiency and workload of radiological technologists (RTs) were compared in head examinations performed with two 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanners equipped with or without an automated user interface called "day optimizing throughput" (Dot) workflow engine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with known intracranial pathology were examined with a 1.5 T MR scanner with Dot workflow engine (Siemens MAGNETOM Aera) and with a 1.5 T MR scanner with conventional user interface (Siemens MAGNETOM Avanto) using four standardized examination protocols. The elapsed time for all necessary work steps, which were performed by 11 RTs within the total examination time, was compared for each examination at both MR scanners. The RTs evaluated the user-friendliness of both scanners by a questionnaire. Normality of distribution was checked for all continuous variables by use of the Shapiro-Wilk test. Normally distributed variables were analyzed by Student's paired t-test, otherwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare means. RESULTS: Total examination time of MR examinations performed with Dot engine was reduced from 24:53 to 20:01 minutes (P < .001) and the necessary RT intervention decreased by 61% (P < .001). The Dot engine's automated choice of MR protocols was significantly better assessed by the RTs than the conventional user interface (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: According to this preliminary study, the Dot workflow engine is a time-saving user assistance software, which decreases the RTs' effort significantly and may help to automate neuroradiological examinations for a higher workflow efficiency.