Work

Development of a prosthodontic workflow tracking system to improve delivery efficiency in clinic–laboratory transfers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives To develop and evaluate the Prosthodontic Workflow Tracking System (PWTS) for improving delivery efficiency and traceability in clinic–dental laboratory workflows across medical center branches. Methods From May 2022 to September 2023, prosthodontic work-item transfer episodes between clinics and a dental laboratory across medical center branches were prospectively recruited under routine clinical operations and managed using either PWTS (digital tracking) or a paper-based workflow. PWTS recorded time-stamped scans at predefined checkpoints and synchronized events to a cloud dashboard for real-time status visualization and automated overdue alerts. Delay was defined as the completion of any checkpoint after the scheduled due date. Delay incidence was compared using chi-square tests, and delayed days using the Mann–Whitney U test. Administrative workload was estimated using time–motion observation and system logs. Post-intervention user experience was assessed using 5-point Likert scales. Results A total of 154 transfer episodes were included (PWTS n = 84; paper-based n = 70). Delay incidence was lower in PWTS than in the paper-based workflow (17.9% vs 52.9%; χ 2 = 19.38, p < 0.001). Cumulative delayed days were 262 (PWTS) versus 408 (paper-based), and mean delayed days per episode were 3.12 versus 5.83, respectively ( p < 0.001). Administrative workload was estimated at 30 staff-hours per month. User experience indicated high perceived benefit (4.0–4.5/5), moderate satisfaction and continued-use intention (3.5/5), and lower usability for impression movement tracking (2.5/5). Conclusion PWTS was associated with lower delay incidence and delay burden than a paper-based workflow, and user-reported experience measures highlighted priorities for future system refinement.

Source: Digital Health

DOI: 10.1177/20552076261429675