Evaluation of soft copy distribution of diagnostic studies before soft copy interpretation

To meet the imaging needs of an expanding clinical campus and clinical volume, a web-based image distribution system (Stentor, San Francisco, CA) was implemented before the implementation of soft copy interpretation. This study sought to assess system utilization as a metric of system's capability to meet demand for enterprise image review. Study period included all examinations stored on the system and subsequently viewed from June 1, 2001 to August 8, 2001. Server log files were analyzed for study storage and subsequent study retrieval. A total of 24,887 studies were stored on the server and available for immediate retrieval, and, of these, 12,458 studies (50%) subsequently were reviewed. Modality-specific study review included 65% for computed radiography, 46% for digital radiography, 56% magnetic resonance, 54% for computed tomography, and 18% for ultrasound scan. Enterprise image distribution before the implementation of picture archiving communication system is a viable operational decision and can be implemented successfully before implementation of soft copy interpretation. System utilization indicates a great value in the electronic availability of image studies.