Summary
- This report presents usage, cost and efficacy data from the MRI Assessment Program, as a continuation of an earlier analysis.
- Analysis has been performed on data from 8565 examinations relating to 7997 patients examined by the units at Royal North Shore (RNSH), Royal Melbourne (RMH), Royal Adelaide (RAH) and Princess Alexandra (PAH) Hospitals.
- Demand for services at RNSH and RMH is heavy, and waiting time for examination is in excess of six weeks at each of these units. Both RNSH and RMH are approaching maximum achievable patient throughput under their present operating conditions (2800 and 2400 patients per year respectively).
- MRI was used mainly for examination of the head and spine (59% and 25% of examinations respectively). Most head examinations but only 51% of spinal examinations were completed in less than 1 hour.
- At the time of examination, in the opinion of the radiologists, 88% of MRI examinations were considered indispensable or helpful and 12% of no assistance. In cases where CT was available, MRI was considered superior or greatly superior in 68%. CT was considered superior in 4.5%.
- An analysis of expenditure has been performed for the units at RNSH, RMH and RAH for the period July 1987 - March 1988. The data are preliminary, subject to audit and do not include a component for interest or leasing charges.
- Average costs per scan for this period were $621 (RNSH) $543 (RMH) and $754 (RAH). There was considerable month to month variation in cost per scan at all units due largely to unscheduled down time, which included a three month shut-down at RAH. If that period is ignored, average cost per scan at RAH was $616.
- Brief details are given of more detailed follow up studies conducted at RNSH, RMH, RAH and PAH.
- A consensus statement is included which summarises the view of the Technical Committee on the potential applications of MRI in Australia. The statement mainly reflects the experience gained by users of MRI in hospitals participating in the assessment program.
- The performance of MRI scanners in the program has been significantly enhanced through upgrades made available by manufacturers. The need to maintain a program for upgrading MRI scanners is seen as essential, given the continued rapid evolution of the technology.