Abstract
Purpose
We sought to compare workflow and efficiency of mobile and portable scanners in ultrasound assessment at the bedside.
Method
A prospective observational study was conducted using traditional mobile (GE LOGIQ 9) and lightweight portable (Z.one) scanners to measure the time taken for unilateral venous examination at the bedside. Total examination time was measured, including patient preparation, procedure, documentation, cleanup, travel, and rebooting time. Descriptive statistics and two sample t test was performed to compare work flow of mobile and portable scanners.
Results
A total of 100 lower extremities of patients were evaluated with mobile (n = 43) and portable (n = 57) scanners. Mean total time required for an imaging procedure by portable (40.18 ± 9.06 min, mean ± SD) and mobile scanner (36.64 ± 8.84 min) was not significantly different. Mean procedure time (20.84 ± 4.08 min) needed by portable scanner was significantly greater than mobile scanner (16.94 ± 4.38 min; p < 0.05). However, mean rebooting time taken by a portable scanner (0.58 ± 0.55 min) was significantly less than a mobile scanner (2 ± 0.57 min; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The total examination time for both portable and mobile scanners was similar. The rebooting time was shorter for portable scanners whereas the actual procedure time was shorter for the mobile equipment. Travel time to and from the bedside is a significant component of total examination time. Further strategies to improve workflow may include refining the indications for portable testing and centralized stationing of equipment closer to high volume areas.
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