Abstract
Business Analytics (BA) is the collection, storage, distribution, and analysis of data. BA aims to support managers in making decisions and provides methods and tools for managers to access and manage information efficiently. Internationally there is a drive to improve processes in the radiology practice to enhance operational efficiency through BA of imaging informatics data. BA of imaging informatics’ relevant information will ensure enhanced operational efficiency, improve patient safety and service delivery in radiology practices. This study investigated the BA performed in radiology practices in Gauteng, South Africa. This study provided insight into what data is collected, how it is collected, analysed and transformed into actionable information in radiology practices in South Africa. This descriptive quantitative study was conducted at private radiology practices in South Africa. The e-questionnaire was administered to the total sample population (N=32) and had 13 respondents (n=13). Results indicate that radiology practices do perform some BA, using hybrid and II systems. Furthermore, in this study, most radiology practices use PACS, RIS and billing systems and use a wide range of imaging modalities, suggesting that infrastructure to perform BA is in place. In this study, 61 % of the participants indicated that they use a dashboard in their practice to display BA. Even so, only 53.2% of the proposed metrics are applicable, and 13.7% are measured in the participants’ radiology practices. Regardless of this, participants rated their average operational efficiency above good. In spite of this, there are many areas for improvement identified from the literature in radiology practices in SA. Measurement would be the first step to address these issues and guide improvement. The application of BA could address these pain points experienced by radiology practices in SA. Although BA is a business study concept, this is the ideal opportunity to adopt BA in radiology practices. Lastly, recommendations were formulated for clinical practice, education, regulatory bodies on implementation of BA and to guide further research on BA.
M.Tech. (Radiography)