2024

Volume

3

Issue

3

Unexplained appointment cancellations pose significant challenges across various industries, including healthcare, education, and professional services. Appointment cancellations have become a considerable challenge for many industries, particularly healthcare, education, and service sectors. While some cancellations can be explained by apparent factors such as illness or scheduling conflicts, there are instances where cancellations increase without clear, identifiable reasons. This paper explores the underlying causes of these unexplained increases, focusing on external and internal factors that may contribute to the trend. It examines the role of personal circumstances in influencing cancellations, such as socioeconomic factors, distance-related challenges, systemic healthcare issues, financial constraints related to cost barriers, and family emergencies.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Unexplained Increases in Appointment Cancellations

By:
Victoria
Agyei-Kyem
Unexplained appointment cancellations pose significant challenges across various industries, including healthcare, education, and professional services. Appointment cancellations have become a considerable challenge for many industries, particularly healthcare, education, and service sectors. While some cancellations can be explained by apparent factors such as illness or scheduling conflicts, there are instances where cancellations increase without clear, identifiable reasons. This paper explores the underlying causes of these unexplained increases, focusing on external and internal factors that may contribute to the trend. It examines the role of personal circumstances in influencing cancellations, such as socioeconomic factors, distance-related challenges, systemic healthcare issues, financial constraints related to cost barriers, and family emergencies.
Published:
January 7, 2025
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The growing demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services in healthcare facilities has outpaced existing resources' capacity, leading to longer wait times, reduced patient satisfaction, and operational inefficiencies. This study examines the impact of adding an MRI machine in the Radiology Department of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Using baseline metrics, patient and staff surveys, and post-acquisition data, the research explores the anticipated benefits of reducing wait times, enhancing scheduling flexibility, and improving patient throughput. The findings underscore the potential for improved patient satisfaction and optimized resource utilization, establishing a strong case for investment in additional imaging equipment.

Improving Radiology Department Efficiency: The Case for Acquiring an Additional MRI Machine

By:
Varun
Joy
The growing demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services in healthcare facilities has outpaced existing resources' capacity, leading to longer wait times, reduced patient satisfaction, and operational inefficiencies. This study examines the impact of adding an MRI machine in the Radiology Department of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Using baseline metrics, patient and staff surveys, and post-acquisition data, the research explores the anticipated benefits of reducing wait times, enhancing scheduling flexibility, and improving patient throughput. The findings underscore the potential for improved patient satisfaction and optimized resource utilization, establishing a strong case for investment in additional imaging equipment.
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript
Due to the changes in state and federal regulations and policies, there has been a lack of updates in the employee reference files for many Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the Release of Information department at Yale New Haven Health System. This issue has caused recurring questions from staff and repeated teaching from the department coordinator and manager. An institution's Standard Operating Procedures are a crucial tool that provides employees with detailed instructions on performing their work in unity with the organization's goals (Rahareng, 2021). Finding correct answers to out-of-date policies takes time from processing patient requests for medical records and interrupts the department's workflow. Having outdated procedure policies can cause various issues and even contribute to a data breach. In the past, employees have become frustrated with looking for answers to their questions. It not only takes time away from getting medical record requests out in a timely fashion but can also contribute to job dissatisfaction and decreased productivity among staff.

Procedural Paralysis: Assessing the Performance Implications of Outdated Standard Operating Procedures in the Release of Information Department

By:
Ruth
Kenneth
Due to the changes in state and federal regulations and policies, there has been a lack of updates in the employee reference files for many Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the Release of Information department at Yale New Haven Health System. This issue has caused recurring questions from staff and repeated teaching from the department coordinator and manager. An institution's Standard Operating Procedures are a crucial tool that provides employees with detailed instructions on performing their work in unity with the organization's goals (Rahareng, 2021). Finding correct answers to out-of-date policies takes time from processing patient requests for medical records and interrupts the department's workflow. Having outdated procedure policies can cause various issues and even contribute to a data breach. In the past, employees have become frustrated with looking for answers to their questions. It not only takes time away from getting medical record requests out in a timely fashion but can also contribute to job dissatisfaction and decreased productivity among staff.
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript
Most of the radiation oncology and radiology department's workforce comprises radiation therapists and radiographers. An online survey was conducted to determine if radiation therapists and radiologic technologists at Middlesex Health believe they are fairly paid and, if not, whether they believe salary hinders staff retention and recruitment. The survey was composed of twelve closed-ended questions and one multiple-choice question. A statistical analysis was performed for four key factors related to job satisfaction and talent acquisition at Middlesex Health. An analysis of the survey data demonstrated key findings regarding job satisfaction, salary and compensation, recruitment and retention, and vacancy analysis. Survey results revealed that the strongest correlation between talent acquisition and overall job satisfaction at Middlesex Health was in compensation and market comparison. Future employment and values work, fulfillment and work-life balance, and compensation and retention likelihood were also correlations gathered from the survey results. Compensation and market comparison had the strongest correlation of 0.72, proving the direct relationship between talent acquisition and compensation. This correlation demonstrates the researcher's hypothesis that salary hinders talent recruitment.

Do radiation therapists and radiologic technologists at Middlesex Health believe they are fairly paid, and if not, do they believe salary hinders staff?

By:
Angela
Lane
Most of the radiation oncology and radiology department's workforce comprises radiation therapists and radiographers. An online survey was conducted to determine if radiation therapists and radiologic technologists at Middlesex Health believe they are fairly paid and, if not, whether they believe salary hinders staff retention and recruitment. The survey was composed of twelve closed-ended questions and one multiple-choice question. A statistical analysis was performed for four key factors related to job satisfaction and talent acquisition at Middlesex Health. An analysis of the survey data demonstrated key findings regarding job satisfaction, salary and compensation, recruitment and retention, and vacancy analysis. Survey results revealed that the strongest correlation between talent acquisition and overall job satisfaction at Middlesex Health was in compensation and market comparison. Future employment and values work, fulfillment and work-life balance, and compensation and retention likelihood were also correlations gathered from the survey results. Compensation and market comparison had the strongest correlation of 0.72, proving the direct relationship between talent acquisition and compensation. This correlation demonstrates the researcher's hypothesis that salary hinders talent recruitment.
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in healthcare promises more efficient processes and accurate outcomes, which then results in lower operational costs. The use of AI solutions in medical coding is rapidly growing and has helped healthcare organizations increase productivity and reduce the burden on coders. But, unlike a well-trained medical coder, AI does not have the capability and sensitivity to extract and interpret pertinent information from complex medical record scenarios. The medical record includes ambiguous acronyms, local jargon, and specialty medical language and terminology that add to the complexity of abstracting documentation. For AI to learn these skills, medical coders will have to teach it, and auditors will have to check its accuracy. This study examines how medical coders perceive the use of AI in medical coding. It utilizes survey data to analyze the performance and impact of AI utilization in medical coding, the likelihood of AI completely replacing medical coders and the necessary skills or knowledge a medical coder needs to stay relevant and adjust to the change. A survey was created using freeonlinesurveys.com. The link was distributed through professional social media, LinkedIn, targeting medical coders with coding and health information credentials. The survey consists of nineteen (19) questions assessing their type of credential(s), coding experience, knowledge and experience in AI, how AI impacts medical coding, and what skill set and type of training they think would be beneficial to anticipate the change, Keywords: productivity, efficiency, accuracy, skills, change, adaptable, collaboration

Professional Resilience in the Age of AI: Redefining the Medical Coder’s Value Proposition

By:
Dewi
Setiawan
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in healthcare promises more efficient processes and accurate outcomes, which then results in lower operational costs. The use of AI solutions in medical coding is rapidly growing and has helped healthcare organizations increase productivity and reduce the burden on coders. But, unlike a well-trained medical coder, AI does not have the capability and sensitivity to extract and interpret pertinent information from complex medical record scenarios. The medical record includes ambiguous acronyms, local jargon, and specialty medical language and terminology that add to the complexity of abstracting documentation. For AI to learn these skills, medical coders will have to teach it, and auditors will have to check its accuracy. This study examines how medical coders perceive the use of AI in medical coding. It utilizes survey data to analyze the performance and impact of AI utilization in medical coding, the likelihood of AI completely replacing medical coders and the necessary skills or knowledge a medical coder needs to stay relevant and adjust to the change. A survey was created using freeonlinesurveys.com. The link was distributed through professional social media, LinkedIn, targeting medical coders with coding and health information credentials. The survey consists of nineteen (19) questions assessing their type of credential(s), coding experience, knowledge and experience in AI, how AI impacts medical coding, and what skill set and type of training they think would be beneficial to anticipate the change, Keywords: productivity, efficiency, accuracy, skills, change, adaptable, collaboration
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript
This study examines work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the sonography profession through a mixed-methods analysis combining current literature with survey data from 184 practicing sonographers. Primary research objectives included assessing injury prevalence, identifying ergonomic risk factors, evaluating current preventive measures, and developing evidence-based recommendations for workplace interventions. Key findings reveal that 80% of sonographers experience chronic work-related pain, with symptoms typically emerging within five years of practice. Despite maintaining manageable workloads of 6-10 examinations daily, 90% of respondents reported neck discomfort, 85% shoulder pain, and 80% upper back strain. The research demonstrates that standardized ergonomic protocols reduce injury rates by 30-45%, while enhanced training improves technique compliance by 50-75%. Equipment modifications and workplace interventions showed varying effectiveness, with adjustable equipment reducing physical strain by 35-50%. Institutional support varies significantly, with only 22% of facilities providing regular ergonomic assessments and 37% reporting no formal support systems. Based on these findings, the study concludes that protecting sonographer health requires a systematic approach combining proper training, equipment design, and institutional support. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive workplace interventions, establishing standardized ergonomic protocols, and developing targeted training programs to enhance practitioner safety and career longevity.

Prevention and Management of Work-Related Injuries Among Sonographers: An Evidence-Based Assessment Manuscript

By:
Monique
Smith
This study examines work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the sonography profession through a mixed-methods analysis combining current literature with survey data from 184 practicing sonographers. Primary research objectives included assessing injury prevalence, identifying ergonomic risk factors, evaluating current preventive measures, and developing evidence-based recommendations for workplace interventions. Key findings reveal that 80% of sonographers experience chronic work-related pain, with symptoms typically emerging within five years of practice. Despite maintaining manageable workloads of 6-10 examinations daily, 90% of respondents reported neck discomfort, 85% shoulder pain, and 80% upper back strain. The research demonstrates that standardized ergonomic protocols reduce injury rates by 30-45%, while enhanced training improves technique compliance by 50-75%. Equipment modifications and workplace interventions showed varying effectiveness, with adjustable equipment reducing physical strain by 35-50%. Institutional support varies significantly, with only 22% of facilities providing regular ergonomic assessments and 37% reporting no formal support systems. Based on these findings, the study concludes that protecting sonographer health requires a systematic approach combining proper training, equipment design, and institutional support. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive workplace interventions, establishing standardized ergonomic protocols, and developing targeted training programs to enhance practitioner safety and career longevity.
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript
The scientific research study will examine the impact of telehealth services on chronic care management in rural areas. With a growing significance around digital health solutions, telehealth has surfaced as a critical tool in healthcare amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the utilization of telehealth rapidly increasing (National Library of Medicine, 2021). The tool addresses all aspects of social determinants of health, underserved regions, and vulnerable communities (National Library of Medicine, 2024). The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of the telemedicine model and its impact on the chronic care management community in rural areas, emphasizing improving the management in this sector among the rural population. Through online surveys, the study will evaluate the data on patient satisfaction related to telemedicine, access to care for this group, convenience and proximity, and barriers that present themselves while using the platform. The research through online surveys aims to gather additional information through the patient's lens' and identify areas of improvement in rural healthcare achievement so that equity and social determinants are achieved within this group. Perrin's efforts also focus on the essentials of the quality and relevance of sources when investigating literature reviews, ensuring the most credible sources are considered and thus included (Perrin, 2020). Perrin's work will provide a strong foundation for understanding telehealth's impact on patients with chronic care management in rural areas.

The Impact of Telehealth on Chronic Care Management in Rural Areas

By:
Alexander
Stamenkovic
The scientific research study will examine the impact of telehealth services on chronic care management in rural areas. With a growing significance around digital health solutions, telehealth has surfaced as a critical tool in healthcare amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the utilization of telehealth rapidly increasing (National Library of Medicine, 2021). The tool addresses all aspects of social determinants of health, underserved regions, and vulnerable communities (National Library of Medicine, 2024). The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of the telemedicine model and its impact on the chronic care management community in rural areas, emphasizing improving the management in this sector among the rural population. Through online surveys, the study will evaluate the data on patient satisfaction related to telemedicine, access to care for this group, convenience and proximity, and barriers that present themselves while using the platform. The research through online surveys aims to gather additional information through the patient's lens' and identify areas of improvement in rural healthcare achievement so that equity and social determinants are achieved within this group. Perrin's efforts also focus on the essentials of the quality and relevance of sources when investigating literature reviews, ensuring the most credible sources are considered and thus included (Perrin, 2020). Perrin's work will provide a strong foundation for understanding telehealth's impact on patients with chronic care management in rural areas.
Published:
January 7, 2025
View Manuscript