Mobile devices and their prospective future role in emergency radiology

Mobile devices, wireless networks and software have significantly evolved since the late 1990s and are now available with sufficient computing power, speed and complexity to allow real-time interpretation of radiology studies. Emergency radiology (ER)'s time-sensitive nature would seem to be an excellent match for study interpretation using mobile devices, allowing the radiologist to read studies anywhere, at any time. While suitable for use by the radiologist outside of the hospital, or clinicians and surgeons at the bedside or in the operating room, these devices do have limitations, and regulatory approval for in-hospital diagnostic use is limited. In the ER setting, we suggest that the best use of mobile devices is to be available to consult directly with patients about their imaging findings and to the clinical team during rounds and at handover. This will bring the radiologist to the clinician and patient, helping us to better understand the patient's presentation, educate both the physician and patient and increase the visibility and value of the radiologist as a member of the clinical care team.