Visualizing the Invisible: Invisible Waste in Diagnostic Imaging

There is extensive waste in diagnostic imaging, at the same time as there are long waiting lists. While the problem of waste in diagnostics has been known for a long time, the problem persists. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to investigate various types of waste in imaging and why they...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Healthcare (Basel) 2021-12, Vol.9 (12), p.1693
Main Authors: Hofmann, Bjørn, Andersen, Eivind Richter, Kjelle, Elin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
appropriateness
Diagnostic tests
imaging
low-value care
Medical diagnosis
Medical imaging
Medical technology
overuse
Quality of care
waiting time
waste
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Summary:There is extensive waste in diagnostic imaging, at the same time as there are long waiting lists. While the problem of waste in diagnostics has been known for a long time, the problem persists. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to investigate various types of waste in imaging and why they are so pervasive and persistent in today's health services. After a short overview of different conceptions and types of waste in diagnostic imaging (in radiology), we identify two reasons why these types of waste are so difficult to address: (1) they are invisible in the healthcare system and (2) wasteful imaging is driven by strong external forces and internal drivers. Lastly, we present specific measures to address wasteful imaging. Visualizing and identifying the waste in diagnostic imaging and its ingrained drivers is one important way to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
ISSN:2227-9032
2227-9032
DOI:10.3390/healthcare9121693