Benefits of Integrated RIS/PACS/Reporting Due to Automatic Population of Templated Reports.

With integration of the Radiological Information Systems (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communication systems (PACS), and reporting systems, patient identifiers and examination information can automatically map into examination reports. There are many potential benefits of report automation to radiologists including improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and fatigue. In this article we describe a 2 part study, with the first part being an anonymous survey of radiologists concerning report automation.

Image toggling saves time in mammography.

When two images are perfectly aligned, even subtle differences are readily detected when the images are "toggled" back and forth in the same location. However, substantial changes between two photographs can be missed if the images are misaligned ("change blindness"). Nevertheless, recent work from our lab, testing nonradiologists, suggests that toggling misaligned photographs leads to superior performance compared to side-by-side viewing (SBS).

Evaluation of lossy data compression in primary interpretation for full-field digital mammography.

OBJECTIVE. For full-field digital mammography (FFDM), federal regulations prohibit lossy data compression for primary reading and archiving, unlike all other medical images, where reading physicians can apply their professional judgment in implementing lossy compression. Faster image transfer, lower costs, and greater access to expert mammographers would result from development of a safe standard for primary interpretation and archive of lossy-compressed FFDM images.

Are referring doctors ready for enterprise and community wide immediate image and report access?

At most medical centers film-based radiology requires that single or multiple copies of patient exams and reports be distributed for results communication. A successful picture archiving and communication system (PACS) should provide a means to improve upon this inefficient paradigm, with universal access to imagery and exam results on demand at the user's convenience. Enterprise and community-wide experience with universal PACS access is reviewed.

PACS in private practice--effect on profits and productivity.

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) must be cost effective and productive to be successful. Referring physician and radiologist surveys, return on investment, and change in technical FTE productivity is evaluated. Referring physicians nearly unanimously prefer PACS over film, with productivity improvements claimed by 91%.