IMPACT OF FILMLESS IMAGING ON THE FREQUENCY OF CLINICIAN REVIEW OF RADIOLOGY IMAGES

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of filmless imag ing on the frequency with which physicians access radiology images and to assess clinician perception of image accessibility using a hospita l-wide Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS). Quantitative data were collected at the Baltimore VA Medical Center (BVAMC), prior to and after conversion to filmless imaging, to determine the frequenc y with which clinicians access radiology images. Survey data were also collected to assess physician preferences of image accessibility, tim e management, and overall patient care when comparing filmless and fil m-based modes of operation. In general, there was a significant increa se in the average number of radiology images reviewed by clinicians th roughout the hospital. However, the one area in the hospital where thi s trend was not observed was in the intensive care unit (ICU), where t he frequency of image access was similar between film and filmless ope rations. Ninety-eight percent of clinicians surveyed reported improved accessibility of images in a filmless environment resulting in improv ed time management. The mean clinician estimate of time saved due to t he use of PACS was 44 minutes. The study documented a combination of c linician perception of improved accessibility and substantial time sav ings with the use of a hospital-wide PACS, which was supported by obje ctive measurements. The increased frequency of image review by clinici ans and rapid image access should provide a further impetus to radiolo gists to decrease report turnaround time to provide ''added value'' fo r patient care. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.