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. 2024 Jun 21;14(7):669.
doi: 10.3390/jpm14070669.

Precision Workforce Management for Radiographers: Monitoring and Managing Competences with an Automatic Tool

Andrea Lastrucci  1 , Yannick Wandael  1 , Giovanni Orlandi  1 , Angelo Barra  1 , Stefano Chiti  1 , Valentina Gigli  2 , Massimo Marletta  3 , Davide Pelliccia  3 , Barbara Tonietti  2 , Renzo Ricci  1 , Daniele Giansanti  4
Affiliations

Precision Workforce Management for Radiographers: Monitoring and Managing Competences with an Automatic Tool

Andrea Lastrucci et al. J Pers Med. .

Abstract

Optimizing work shifts in healthcare is crucial for maintaining high standards of service delivery and fostering professional development. This study delves into the emerging field of skill-oriented work shift optimization, focusing specifically on radiographers within the healthcare sector. Through the development of Skills Retention Monitoring (SRH), this research aims to enhance skill monitoring, workload management, and organizational performance. In this study, several key highlights emerged: (a) Introduction of the SRH tool: The SRH tool represents a resource-efficient solution that harnesses existing software infrastructure. A preliminary version, focusing on the radiographers' professional profile, was released, and after several months of use, it demonstrated effectiveness in optimizing work based on competency monitoring. (b) The SRH tool has thus demonstrated the capacity to generate actionable insights in the organizational context of radiographers. By generating weekly reports, the SRH tool streamlines activity management and optimizes resource allocation within healthcare settings. (c) Application of a Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) tool for pre-release feedback during a training event. (d) Strategic importance of a maintenance and monitoring plan: This plan, rooted in a continuous quality improvement approach and key performance indicators, ensures the sustained effectiveness of the SRH tool. (e) Strategic importance of a transfer plan: Involving professional associations and employing targeted questionnaires, this plan ensures the customization of the tool from the perspective of each profession involved. This is a crucial point, as it will enable the release of tool versions tailored to various professions operating within the hospital sector. As a side result, the tool could allow for a more tailored and personalized medicine both by connecting the insights gathered through the SRH tool with the right competencies for healthcare professionals and with individual patient data. This integration could lead to better-informed decision making, optimizing treatment strategies based on both patient needs and the specific expertise of the healthcare provider. Future directions include deploying the SRH tool within the Pisa hospital network and exploring integration with AI algorithms for further optimization. Overall, this research contributes to advancing work shift optimization strategies and promoting excellence in healthcare service delivery.

Keywords: competence; monitoring; performance; radiographer; skill; workload.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Gantt chart illustrating all phases from creation to implementation of the SRH tool.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Diagram illustrating the methodology, software, and queries used for developing the SRH tool.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The method for visualising the competences for each radiographer is presented in the final report produced by the SRH tool. In particular, the visualization of the table method (A), the pie chart (B) and the radar chart (C) is presented.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparison of the competences of radiographer 1 and radiographer 2 in MRI examinations with visualization of the table method (A), the pie chart (B), and the radar chart (C,D).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Preliminary data from the application of the SRH tool in clinical practice for MRI examinations.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Representation scheme of the answer to the Likert sentences.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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