INTEGRATING A DIGITAL DICTATION SYSTEM WITH A NETWORK DATA-BASE FOR CREATING AND MANAGING RADIOLOGIC TEACHING FILES

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. A method for facilitating the creation and m anagement of radiologic teaching files is described. METHODS. A digita l dictation system was integrated with a personal computer data base. The data base is maintained with user-friendly, graphically oriented s oftware. Radiologists can dictate any examination for the teaching fil e from any dictation station in the department with minimal interrupti on of their clinical activities. The data base resides on a file serve r, thus providing department-wide access for radiologists and students . RESULTS. Attending radiologists and residents have responded favorab ly to the system. Maintenance and retrieval of teaching files are faci litated by using a computer for otherwise tedious aspects of informati on management. Data are stored in a well-organized manner, thus increa sing the value of the teaching file while reducing redundant data entr y. CONCLUSION. Computer technology can facilitate the maintenance of r adiologic teaching files. Radiology departments that have a convenient , department-wide method for entering cases-such as a digital dictatio n system and existing computer network-are ideal for the technique tha t we describe.