WORKFLOW DIAGRAM and patient preparation

1.   Patient Registration and Preparedness

Ø  When patients arrive at the department, they must register at the main counter.

Ø  Administrative professionals verify patient information, schedule appointments, and provide any relevant forms.

Ø  Patients are offered tips on how to prepare for their surgery, such as fasting or drinking water (Lee et al., 2017).

2.   Patient preparation for different modalities:

•  Ultrasonography (U/S)

 The Ultrasound modalities work according to a booking system. Each examination requires a different amount of time, and all patients are scheduled accordingly. A dedicated receptionist for ultrasonography will handle all bookings and u/s patients. Depending on the scan that will be performed, all patients will be provided with clear instruction on what to prepare prior to coming for their scan.

•   General X-rays:

All general x-ray patients work on a first come first serve basis where no bookings are required. The technician will explain the procedure prior to beginning the examination to promote patient comfort aiding in producing optimal x-ray images. Changing rooms are situated within close proximity to the x-ray rooms to ensure patient privacy and comfortability.

•   Computed Tomography (CT):

All CT patients work according to a booking system that is handled by a dedicated receptionist. All preparation and necessary information will be provided to the patient on the day of the booking as well as when filling in all necessary details on the day of their scan. For contrasted scans patients will be required to fill in a contrast consent form to ensure that patients are fully informed prior to beginning the scan. Post examination instructions will be provided to the patient by the technician.

•   Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

MRI patients are scheduled accordingly by a dedicated receptionist who will handle all bookings and patient preparation. Patients will be required to fill in an MRI consent form ensuring that they will be MRI safe before beginning their scan. for contrasted studies all patients will be required to sign a consent form which will be explained by the technician on the day of the scan. all post procedure instructions will be provided by the technician.

•   Fluoroscopy:

All fluoroscopy scans are done according to a booking system handled by a designated receptionist. For each procedure patients are required to sign a consent form which will be explained by the technician on the day. All post procedure instruction will be provided by a technician on the day.

3.   Instructions for after procedures

All patients are given the appropriate post procedure instructions or restrictions following the examination that they had. Patients will be provided with information on when and how to expect their results. Based on the results patients may be urger to consult with their referring physician for further advice.

4.   Image analyses and reporting (Ramsoft, 2022)

Upon completion of the procedure, images are transmitted to the reporting room for processing and interpretation through the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and the Radiology Information System (RIS), which facilitate the sharing of images and reports within the department and with referring physicians. Sonographers process and analyse ultrasound images, while diagnostic radiographers evaluate radiographic images. These images are then analysed and interpreted by radiologists, who provide the final diagnostic insights.

5.   Result delivery

Reports and images are sent to referring physicians on the same day as the procedure, enabling them to discuss the results and next steps with patients. In emergency situations, reports are made available within 30 minutes, both during working hours and after hours.

6.   Patients will leave the department by the exit door (preferred) or the entrance door.