Computed Radiography Upgrade Generates Productivity Gains, Cost Savings

With healthcare budgets under pressure, replacing computed radiography (CR) technology with the latest digital radiography (DR) is expensive, and is estimated to cost approximately GBP 250,000 per room and involve significant physical disruption. Research conducted in the United Kingdom concluded that adding DRX detectors to existing CR capacity is not only a more cost-effective option, but that the upgrade can also generate productivity gains and cost savings to justify the investment.

An economic analysis commissioned by Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA) in the United Kingdom has concluded that upgrading to the Carestream DRX compared to continuing to use CR technology generates productivity gains and cost savings.

Data were drawn from Brighton and Sussex University NHS [National Health Service] Trust, earlier research by Carestream and expert opinion and the analysis was carried out by Matrix Evidence (London, UK). Two analytic models were run, for the Carestream DRX-1 designed for an X-ray setting and the Carestream DRX mobile retrofit kit designed for mobile environments.

In summary, the findings of the report were for an X-ray room unit operating at full capacity levels (100% of its potential capacity or 10,057 procedures per year): (1) upgrading to DRX, compared to continuing to use CR, reduces radiographer time; (2) required by up to 43% or 664 hours. These hours amounted up to 0.43 full time; (3) radiographer savings, which in monetary terms equals GBP 18,585 per room per year; (4) assuming the hours of radiographer time saved are used to see more patients, an additional 7,543 procedures per room per year could be delivered (an increase in capacity of 75%); (5) Lastly, taking into account the cost of the investment, DRX can save up to GBP 10,453 per room per year.

In addition to the economic analysis, evidence also suggests that the DRX detectors provide improved image quality and reduced radiation dose, in comparison to CR technology--benefits that can potentially lead to improved health outcomes.

“The results of the research clearly show that investment in Carestream DRX offers a number of benefits both in financial and workflow terms,” said Jane Grimsley, European marketing manager for digital capture, Carestream Health. “Customers across the world are eagerly implementing innovative DRX solutions to help boost productivity and enhance patient care. To-date the company has sold more than 2,500 DRX detectors worldwide.”

Related Links:
Carestream Health
Matrix Evidence