Bi. Reiner et al., Radiologists' productivity in the interpretation of CT scans: A comparisonof PACS with conventional film, AM J ROENTG, 176(4), 2001, pp. 861-864
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
OBJECTIVE. We compared radiologists' times in the interpretation of CT usin
g hardcopy films with the interpretation using a soft-copy picture archivin
g and communication system (PACS) computer workstation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. One hundred CT examinations were selected at random
and reviewed by four hoard-certified radiologists experienced in soft-copy
interpretation. We performed time-motion analysis to determine the total ti
me required to display, interpret, and dictate the individual findings of C
T using conventional hard-copy interpretation on a viewbox and soft-copy in
terpretation, using a four-monitor high-resolution (2048 x 1536 pixel) work
station.
RESULTS. Time-motion analysis showed a reduction of 16.2% in the overall ti
me required for soft-copy interpretation of CT compared with that of film.
Time savings with soft-copy interpretation were observed for all four parti
cipating radiologists. The benefit of soft-copy interpretation was increase
d for examinations in which there were comparison studies.
CONCLUSION. We found that soft-copy interpretation of CT using a PACS works
tation requires less rime than interpretation using conventional film hung
on a viewbox, The transition to filmless imaging has the potential to impro
ve radiologists' productivity and report-turnaround time.