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  • Title: Radiologists' productivity in the interpretation of CT scans: a comparison of PACS with conventional film.
    Author: Reiner BI, Siegel EL, Hooper FJ, Pomerantz S, Dahlke A, Rallis D.
    Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol; 2001 Apr; 176(4):861-4. PubMed ID: 11264065.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: We compared radiologists' times in the interpretation of CT using hardcopy films with the interpretation using a soft-copy picture archiving and communication system (PACS) computer workstation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred CT examinations were selected at random and reviewed by four board-certified radiologists experienced in soft-copy interpretation. We performed time-motion analysis to determine the total time required to display, interpret, and dictate the individual findings of CT using conventional hard-copy interpretation on a viewbox and soft-copy interpretation, using a four-monitor high-resolution (2048 x 1536 pixel) workstation. RESULTS: Time-motion analysis showed a reduction of 16.2% in the overall time required for soft-copy interpretation of CT compared with that of film. Time savings with soft-copy interpretation were observed for all four participating radiologists. The benefit of soft-copy interpretation was increased for examinations in which there were comparison studies. CONCLUSION: We found that soft-copy interpretation of CT using a PACS workstation requires less time than interpretation using conventional film hung on a viewbox. The transition to filmless imaging has the potential to improve radiologists' productivity and report-turnaround time.
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