PubMed · 8065141
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J B Thomison. 1994. Documentation.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8065141/
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35 mm photography is currently the standard method of documenting a patient's appearance and recording the post-operative changes. With rapidly advancing technology, the digital system is now capable of providing vivid pictures that have multiple advantages over conventional 35 mm photography. Namely, digital pictures are comparatively inexpensive to take, can be stored as digital information, easily retrieved, and immediate viewing and imaging are possible. For many applications in plastic surgery patient documentation, digital photography is now more affordable and flexible than the 35 mm film system. The following is a cost and quality comparison between the two systems.
Radiographs that must be repeated, which are commonly referred to as "repeats," represent additional, non-billable costs due to increased film, chemistry, and equipment use as well as increased personnel time. Furthermore, patients receive additional radiation exposure from repeats and must remain on the premises until the second exam is completed. Compounding the overt negative financial impact on the department is an increased burden on the waiting room and support staff, and a decrease in patient throughput. A continuous improvement team was assigned to develop an improved technique for monitoring and reducing the number of repeated radiographs in a subset of our radiology department. This paper presents a novel method of accurately measuring the repeat rate through the use of radiographic repeat labels. The labels remove the guesswork from repeat analysis and heighten the technologists' awareness of common problems. Additionally, the labels allow for detailed analysis of the cause of repeated radiographs, which can provide insight for determining remedial actions. Repeat analysis data from our institution acquired using the labels before and after implementing remedial actions are presented.