Authentication and management of radiologic reports: value of a computer workstation integrated with a radiology...

An increasing number of radiology departments are using computers to facilitate management of radiologic information. Transcription, storage, and printing of radiologic reports are among the primary functions of a radiology information system. Consequently, manual signature of radiologic reports is being replaced by on-line electronic authentication. However, the utilities provided on most radiology information systems to review, edit, and otherwise manipulate radiologic reports are relatively crude compared with commercial word-processing and data-base management software available for personal computers. We have developed a personal computer software system that is integrated with our existing radiology information system; expedites the radiologist's task of reviewing, editing, and authenticating (i.e., signing) radiologic reports; provides a teaching file data base on the workstation into which radiologic reports and patients' demographics can be instantly transferred; and provides a similar data base to facilitate follow-up on those examinations deemed appropriate for quality-assurance procedures. These features improve the radiologist's efficiency and increase his or her willingness to more fully exploit the intended purposes of a radiology information system.