ROC-STUDY OF A TELERADIOLOGY WORKSTATION VERSUS FILM READINGS

Purpose: We have used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to compare screen assessment of digitized radiographic Films transmit ted by a teleradiology system, with evaluation of the original radiogr aphs on film. Material and Methods: The material contained 120 cases ( about 50% with selected pathology) that were difficult to diagnose. Fo ur radiologists each evaluated half of the cases on film. and half on computer screen. The screen display was 1024x836 pixels with 8 bits/pi xel. Results: We found the accuracy and sensitivity of the teleradiolo gy system to be clearly inferior to film evaluation. Conclusions: Impr ovement is needed both in the teleradiology system, and in the trainin g of radiologists to work on the electronic workstation.