Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a completely automated digital radiography (DR) unit in a pediatric radiology department on productivity. Materials and methods. Comparative evaluation of DR and computerized radiography (CR) units on 193 patients imaged in a pediatric radiology department. The time to complete each step of all examinations was recorded. Half of the exams were performed using CR and the other half was performed using DR.
Results: There was a 52% time gain for simple projection exams using DR and a 51% time gain for dual projection exams using DR (p<0.001). A workflow study performed a 9 month period showed that DR could absorb 84% of work previously performed on two conventional radiography units.
Conclusion: DR is necessary for digital imaging departments to increase productivity, while providing added ergonomic comfort and flexibility. It is particularly well suited for pediatric imaging departments.