Wait List Strategies for CT and MRI Scans

Abstract

There are various potential causes of long wait times for CT and MRI scans, and conducting a situation-specific assessment of available resources and potential cause(s) of wait times may help to identify appropriate strategies for their management. Identified principles for developing a plan to address wait times include engaging stakeholders, taking a coordinated approach to develop short- and long-term plans, ensuring plans are flexible to account for changes in technologies, and developing a plan for quality monitoring and assessment of specified outcomes. Identified strategies for reducing wait times for CT and/or MRI scans include increasing capacity, improving efficiencies, reducing low-value scans, improving communication, and adopting new technology.