Non-Clinical Time

Productivity in the 3DQ Lab is often measured by the number of imaging exams processed. While this metric captures protocol-based clinical work, it does not reflect the many additional responsibilities required to support the lab’s operations.

Technologists routinely spend time in meetings, responding to emails, training new staff, performing quality improvement, and supporting special projects. Although these activities are essential to the lab’s success, they are not tied to a specific imaging protocol and are therefore invisible in traditional productivity metrics.

Figure A: Example of a Non-Clinical Time submission form.

To address this gap, the 3DQ Lab developed a system to track NC Time (Non-Clinical Time) within its web portal. Staff members record the amount of time spent on non-clinical activities along with a brief description of the work performed. This information is used to calculate an effectiveness percentage that adjusts productivity metrics to account for time devoted to work outside standard exam processing.

By separating NC Time from protocol-based work, the lab created a more complete and equitable approach to performance measurement. This system helps ensure that contributions such as training, communication, quality improvement, and project development are recognized alongside direct clinical production.

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