[Evaluation of PC-based radiologic diagnosis workstations]

Evaluation of PC based Radiology Diagnostic Workstations performed by medical users using detailed lists of functional requirements.

During February 1999 and September 1999 medical users at the hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt Germany had tested 7 types of radiology diagnostic workstations. Two types of test methods were used: In test type 1 ergonomic and handling functions were evaluated impartial according to 78 selected user requirements. In test type 2 radiologists and radiographers (3 + 4) performed 23 work flow steps with a subjectively evaluation.

By using a progressive rating no product could fully meet the user requirements. As a result of the summary evaluation for test 1 and test 2 the following compliance rating was calculated for the different products: Rad Works (66%), Magic View (63%), ID-Report (58%), Impax 3000 (53%), Medical Workstation (52%), Pathspeed (46%) and Autorad (39%).

As a basis for a purchasing decision a detailed functional specification an importance rating is required. Especially industrial development effort for improving the workstations is required for DICOM Supplements 33, image printing, integration teleradiology functions for compatible interoperability between different workstations, support for classroom demonstrations, system administration and data security.