Quantification of the subjective labour load of a filmless radiology system by the contingent valuation method: a pilot study

Background: A filmless radiology system, which implements a radiology information system and picture archiving and communication system, brings major changes in the work patterns of radiologists and radiological technologists. The purpose of this study was to prospectively quantify the subjective labour load of a filmless radiology system for radiologists and radiological technologists by the contingent valuation method (CVM) and to evaluate the economic labour value. Methods: The questionnaire survey included 14 radiologists and 46 radiological technologists. There was a 75% effective response rate with a total of 45 respondents. The subjective labour load of a filmless radiology system was quantified by the CVM as willingness to accept (WTA). The double-bound dichotomous choice approach was employed for the questionnaire format for WTA. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting WTA. Results: The median and mean WTA per month for radiologists were estimated to be 82,902 yen ($829) and 46,808 yen ($468), respectively. The median and mean WTA for radiological technologists were estimated to be 15,622 yen ($156) and 16,784 yen ($168), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed promotional view (i.e., willingness to introduce computerization of medical information) as the only significant factor affecting WTA for radiological technologists (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The change from film-based- to filmless- radiology system would be acceptable providing that medical staff in the department of radiology think their labour changes would yield an increase of satisfaction equivalent to 1,430,000 ($14,300) -1,880,000 yen ($18,800).