Simulation model using computerized physician order entry in radiology request order for paperless radiology information system in Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital

Abstract

The Radiology Department at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital has successfully implemented electronic systems for many core functions of its Radiology Information System (RIS). However, the radiology request order system still uses paper forms, leading to issues such as data inaccuracy, incomplete clinical information, and prolonged Turnaround Times (TAT) for scheduling appointments. Analyzing the current process of 926 patients scheduling ultrasonography (USG) appointments at the department found that the average service time per person was 3.83 hours, significantly impacting service quality and patient satisfaction. Therefore, the concept of implementing an electronic radiology request order system using Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) was proposed. This study aimed to create and evaluate a Simulation Model comparing the total average service time of the current paper-based system with a redesigned electronic system using CPOE. The results showed that the redesigned system with CPOE could significantly reduce the patient's total average service time by 35.5%, decreasing it from 128.68 minutes to 82.9934 minutes. Furthermore, a simulation experiment to increase the number of service units at the OPD Appointment counter from 3 to 5 units in the redesigned system showed a potential to reduce the total average service time by approximately 50% compared to the current paper-based system. Thus, the implementation of CPOE for radiology request orders can significantly improve service quality and reduce patient waiting times, serving as a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable Paperless Radiology Information System (RIS).

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