Radiologists' productivity in the interpretation of CT scans: a comparison of PACS with conventional film.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-1-2001

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We compared radiologists' times in the interpretation of CT using hardcopy films with the interpretation using a soft-copy picture archiving and communication system (PACS) computer workstation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred CT examinations were selected at random and reviewed by four board-certified radiologists experienced in soft-copy interpretation. We performed time-motion analysis to determine the total time required to display, interpret, and dictate the individual findings of CT using conventional hard-copy interpretation on a viewbox and soft-copy interpretation, using a four-monitor high-resolution (2048 x 1536 pixel) workstation.

RESULTS: Time-motion analysis showed a reduction of 16.2% in the overall time required for soft-copy interpretation of CT compared with that of film. Time savings with soft-copy interpretation were observed for all four participating radiologists. The benefit of soft-copy interpretation was increased for examinations in which there were comparison studies.

CONCLUSION: We found that soft-copy interpretation of CT using a PACS workstation requires less time than interpretation using conventional film hung on a viewbox. The transition to filmless imaging has the potential to improve radiologists' productivity and report-turnaround time.

Volume

176

Issue

4

First Page

861

Last Page

864

ISSN

0361-803X

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

11264065

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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