The ultrasound procedure room is an integral location in the radiology department, which has steadily seen an increase in demand due to reduction in procedural complications with image guidance in comparison to bedside intervention1,2.
In the Mater hospital, our ultrasound procedures are performed within one room for both inpatients and outpatients. The average aim is to perform 5 procedures in the morning and 3 procedures in the afternoon. Consultants and registrars are assigned to the procedure room for a half day shift, either working a 'morning' or 'afternoon' slot.
Quality improvement (QI) initiatives are essential to enhancing patient care, optimising workflow, and reducing operational inefficiencies. There is, however, no standard practice on how to run and optimize an ultrasound procedural room, and a lack of guidance can result in unnecessary delays to patient care.
This QI project aimed to provide an example of a day-to-day snapshot of our procedural room, identify and address key areas for improvement, and implement changes to improve specialty satisfaction and departmental efficiency.