AdventHealth Virtual MRI Program Reduces Hospital Readmissions by 94%

By Liam On Jul 22, 2024

Not long ago, AdventHealth had high demand in its Central and East Florida divisions for advanced MRI services. The health system’s centralized MRI services at its Orlando campus, while effective, were areas where AdventHealth could provide a more consumer-oriented experience.

THE PROBLEM

Expanding advanced MRI services to the community hospitals presented its own challenges. These locations did not have the same level of advanced training or standardized imaging protocols as the main campus. This opened the door to inconsistencies in processes that can lead to delays and impact the patient experience.

By reducing the need for patients to travel and wait, advanced imaging, staff knew they could make a significant impact. Staff also wanted to standardize protocols across community campuses to maintain consistently high image quality and reduce the need for repeat scans.

PROPOSAL

“To address these challenges, we proposed a virtual MRI program designed to decentralize our MRI services while maintaining high standards of care,” said Ike Ichite, vice president of imaging services at AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “This program utilized advanced virtual care technology to facilitate real-time collaboration between skilled technologists and multiple scanning sites.

“The core idea was to provide remote guidance and support through live audio, chat and video features, enabling remote technologists “We can perform advanced MRI scans on our community campuses with the same capability as on our main campus,” he explains.

The Virtual Operations Center was designed to streamline operations by eliminating the need for unnecessary patient transfers to the Orlando campus. This approach was aimed at significantly reducing hospital readmissions and outpatient wait times.

By standardizing imaging protocols and providing continuous remote support, employees were able to ensure consistent, high-quality imaging across all locations. This technology promised to improve operational efficiency, enhance patient satisfaction and reduce the frequency of repeat exams – ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and aligning with AdventHealth’s service standards of “Keep Me Safe,” “Love Me,” “Make It Easy” and “Own It,” Ichite said.

TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE

The implementation of the virtual MRI program began with three campuses, later expanded to 14 campuses as the program proved successful. Experienced technologists from the central campus provided remote support to up to three scanning locations simultaneously. This was facilitated by advanced integration with live audio, chat and video capabilities, ensuring real-time communication and support.

“The FDA-approved vendor software was initially integrated with Siemens MRI scanners, but has been expanded to include other vendors, such as Philips,” Ichite noted. “The third-party technologists can assist with protocol modifications, troubleshooting, and ensuring the quality of the imaging studies. This setup allows us to maintain a high standard of image quality and consistency across all participating sites.”

The integration also included training programs for local frontline workers staff to familiarize them with new technology and protocols,” he continued. “This collaborative approach not only improved the quality of imaging studies, but also built the confidence and skills of local frontline technologists and radiologists. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with our existing workflows, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.”

RESULTS

AdventHealth achieved a significant improvement in operational efficiency. Implementing the virtual MRI program resulted in a 94% reduction in MRI transfers for patients. This change alone reduced the length of hospital stays by at least 24 hours per patient, helping to reduce their healthcare costs and improve access to hospital beds for the community.

In addition, the number of cardiac MRI scans increased by 42%, significantly improving access to specialized care for patients.

“The quality of our imaging studies has improved remarkably,” Ichite reported. “Since implementation, we have performed over 3,000 advanced MRIs via the virtual platform. The number of repeat studies dropped to zero, indicating a significant improvement in the initial quality of the imaging studies.

“600 remote protocol adjustments were made, further ensuring the accuracy and quality of the scans,” he continued. “This reduction in repeat exams not only improved operational efficiency, but also enhanced patient experience and satisfaction.”

The availability of advanced MRI examinations for outpatients with next-day scheduling at multiple locations has dramatically reduced patient wait times. This improvement in accessibility and convenience has had a positive impact on patient satisfaction.

“Patients no longer have to wait weeks for an appointment and the decentralized approach makes advanced MRI services more readily available in locations closer to home for our patients,” Ichite said.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

For healthcare providers considering implementing similar virtual care technologies, Ichite offers the following advice based on AdventHealth’s experience:

Ensure virtual care technology integrates seamlessly into existing systems and workflows. Ingenuity and creativity are key.
Invest in comprehensive training programs for staff to familiarize them with new technology and standardized protocols.
Begin with a phased implementation, initially focusing on a few sites to collect data and demonstrate improvements in operational efficiency, image quality, and patient satisfaction.
Involve all relevant stakeholders – including technologists, physicians, radiologists, information technology, providers, and administrative staff – in building a strong support system for the implementation of virtual care technology.
aAlways prioritize the patient experience. The ultimate goal of implementing virtual care technology should be to improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall patient experience.

“By putting the patient at the center of your efforts, you can ensure that the technology truly adds value to patients and the teams that care for them,” Ichite concluded.

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