The role of a radiology electronic notification system in the emergency department setting and its impact on patient care.

Background: To determine the impact of a radiology electronic notification system (ENS) on emergency department (ED) patient care.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of de-identified patient data for a 2-year period (1 year prior to and 1 year following ENS implementation) was approved by the hospital's institutional review board. The effect of a radiology ENS on ED patient care was investigated by analyzing the intervals between completion of a chest radiograph and the times antibiotics were ordered/administered on patients presenting with symptoms of community acquired pneumonia (CAP).