Application form based optimization of the echo lab workflow

In 2001, the number of echocardiograms performed at the University Hospital Groningen exceeded 5500. This is an increment of 13.5% compared to two years earlier. This number is expected to increase further, as improvements in the clinical application and structural changes in the organization progressively evolve. Real time reporting and digital storage of the ultrasound images had a major beneficial impact on optimization of the total process. Currently, clinical supervision by experienced operators is possible through the implementation of Apple Macintosh machines, connected to a local network. This connection is subsequently able to provide the entire hospital area network following the conversion of the Apple platform into Microsoft Windows variants. Although a significant improvement in the efficiency of clinical supervision was achieved, further research is being implemented to continue the update process.