Speed Versus Interpretation Accuracy: Current Thoughts and Literature Review.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging Interpretation

Background:

• The relationship between reading speed and diagnostic accuracy is a long-standing debate.
• Previous studies and anecdotal evidence have suggested a link, but lacked robust validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the purported relationship between diagnostic image interpretation speed and accuracy.
• To review existing literature and practical considerations regarding this issue.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating reading speed and diagnostic accuracy.
• Discussion of practical considerations and expert experience in medical image interpretation.

Main Results:

• No credible scientific relationship has been established between the speed of diagnostic image interpretation and accuracy.
• No national guidelines exist to support a link between interpretation time and diagnostic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic accuracy is influenced by numerous factors, not including the length of interpretation time.
• Attributing diagnostic accuracy to reading speed is not supported by current evidence and would be irresponsible.