EFFECT OF COMPUTERIZED REQUISITION OF RADIOLOGY EXAMINATIONS ON THE TRANSMISSION OF CLINICAL INFORMATION

Rationale and Objectives. The authors developed a method to evaluate t he availability and accuracy of clinical data proffered by clinicians when ordering radiologic examinations with a computer order-entry syst em. Methods. Two thousand consecutive clinical indications for a spect rum of pediatric imaging studies were scrutinized for accuracy by mean s of computerized chart review, verbal communication with clinical att ending staff, and reference to surgical and laboratory results. The in dications were classified as appropriate, incorrect, misleading, or in complete. Results. Of the 2,000 stated indications, 1,464 (73%) provid ed a reasonable, if minimal, amount of clinical information; however, in 376 (19%) cases the diagnosis or proximate indication was incorrect , in 108 (5%) cases the data were incomplete, and in 52 (3%) cases the information was misleading. Conclusion. Computer order-entry systems can improve the transmission of clinical information but they allow mi sinformation to be provided.