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Free text versus structured format: information transfer efficiency of radiology reports
Chris L Sistrom1, Janice Honeyman-Buck
1Department of Radiology, University of Florida Health Center, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. sistrc@radiology.ufl.edu
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Radiology report format does not impact reviewer accuracy or speed. Structured reports were preferred by participants, though both free text and structured formats proved equally effective for information extraction.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Radiology Reporting
Background:
- The format of radiology reports can influence information retrieval.
- Standardized reporting formats aim to improve clarity and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of radiology report format on information extraction accuracy and speed.
- To compare free text versus structured report formats.
Main Methods:
- A web-based system presented 12 cases with 10 multiple-choice questions to 16 senior medical students.
- Participants were randomized to free text or structured report formats.
- Outcomes measured included accuracy, time, and efficiency (correct answers per minute).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in accuracy, time, or efficiency were found between free text and structured report formats.
- The study possessed adequate power to detect small differences.
- Participants showed a strong preference for the structured report format.
Conclusions:
- Both free text and structured radiology report formats are equally efficient and accurate for conveying case-specific interpretative content.
- Despite equal performance, user preference favors structured reporting.