A computer-based reporting system in radiology of the chest

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Informatics
• Health Systems Engineering

Background:

• Standard reporting methods for chest X-rays include handwriting and tape systems.
• Computer-aided reporting systems aim to improve efficiency and report quality.
• Integrating reporting systems with radiology information systems (RIS) is crucial for workflow optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a novel computer-aided reporting system with traditional methods for chest X-ray reporting.
• To evaluate the system's quality, efficiency, flexibility, availability, and user acceptance.
• To assess the impact of the system on report turnaround time.

Main Methods:

• Development of a computer-aided reporting system using text modules, linked to a UNIX-based RIS.
• Evaluation criteria included report quality, system efficiency, flexibility, availability, and user acceptance.
• Time-analysis study comparing the new system against tape and handwriting methods for chest X-ray reporting.

Main Results:

• Users found fewer text modifications were needed, and changes were easier to implement.
• Reporting time increased by 2.5 to 3 times compared to tape and handwritten methods.
• Despite increased reporting time, the final printed report was available significantly sooner (1.4 hours vs. 6.4 hours for tape, 0.4 hours for handwritten).

Conclusions:

• The computer-aided reporting system enhances report quality and user experience through module-based composition and easier text modifications.
• While individual reporting time increases, the overall availability of the final radiology report is substantially improved.
• The system's completeness and logical structure were positively received by users, indicating potential for improved radiology workflows.