TY - JOUR
T1 - Affinity chart analysis
T2 - A method for structured collection, aggregation, and response to customer needs in radiology
AU - Boll, Daniel T.
AU - Rubin, Geoffrey D.
AU - Heye, Tobias
AU - Pierce, Laura J.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© American Roentgen Ray Society.
PY - 2017/4
Y1 - 2017/4
N2 - OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study is to analyze implementation of the voice-ofthe- customer method to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting delivered by a radiology department and to plan improvements on the basis of referring physicians' preferences. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The voice-of-the-customer method consisted of discovery, analysis, and optimization phases. Fifty referring physicians were invited to be interviewed. Interviews addressed the topics of structure, process, outcome, and support. Interviews were dissected into individual statements categorized as fact or feeling. Statements were grouped to find collective voices. Improvements were compiled from affinity charts and were processed by identifying insights. RESULTS. Ninety-four percent (47/50) of physicians participated, generating 352 statements (81 facts and 271 feelings) that subsequently underwent affinity chart clustering. The resultant affinity charts covered distinct themes: "we need you to know us better," "we need you to consider our workflow," "we need more from your services," "we want to review your data in certain ways," and "we want to do more with you." As a result of the insights gained, the following optimizations were implemented: a software application that improves study requesting, performance tracking, study prioritization, and longitudinal data archiving; six prototype reports containing tabulated data and annotated images; two prototype longitudinal reporting templates assessing aneurysm evolution and treatment-induced changes in organ size over time; and a teaching curriculum for trainees. CONCLUSION. This study has shown the clinical feasibility to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting and to implement improvements of and investments in image postprocessing and reporting infrastructure on the basis of referring physicians' preferences using the voice-of-the-customer method.
AB - OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study is to analyze implementation of the voice-ofthe- customer method to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting delivered by a radiology department and to plan improvements on the basis of referring physicians' preferences. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The voice-of-the-customer method consisted of discovery, analysis, and optimization phases. Fifty referring physicians were invited to be interviewed. Interviews addressed the topics of structure, process, outcome, and support. Interviews were dissected into individual statements categorized as fact or feeling. Statements were grouped to find collective voices. Improvements were compiled from affinity charts and were processed by identifying insights. RESULTS. Ninety-four percent (47/50) of physicians participated, generating 352 statements (81 facts and 271 feelings) that subsequently underwent affinity chart clustering. The resultant affinity charts covered distinct themes: "we need you to know us better," "we need you to consider our workflow," "we need more from your services," "we want to review your data in certain ways," and "we want to do more with you." As a result of the insights gained, the following optimizations were implemented: a software application that improves study requesting, performance tracking, study prioritization, and longitudinal data archiving; six prototype reports containing tabulated data and annotated images; two prototype longitudinal reporting templates assessing aneurysm evolution and treatment-induced changes in organ size over time; and a teaching curriculum for trainees. CONCLUSION. This study has shown the clinical feasibility to assess the current state of image postprocessing and reporting and to implement improvements of and investments in image postprocessing and reporting infrastructure on the basis of referring physicians' preferences using the voice-of-the-customer method.
KW - Data postprocessing
KW - Quality
KW - Reporting
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85016455625&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85016455625&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2214/AJR.16.16673
DO - 10.2214/AJR.16.16673
M3 - Article
C2 - 28140618
AN - SCOPUS:85016455625
SN - 0361-803X
VL - 208
SP - W134-W145
JO - American Journal of Roentgenology
JF - American Journal of Roentgenology
IS - 4
ER -