Keywords:
Workforce, Efficacy studies, Comparative studies, Plain radiographic studies, Computer applications
Authors:
A. Chandrashekar1, A. Devaraj1, L. Dixon1, S. Copley1, C. A. Ridge2, S. P. G. Padley1; 1London/UK, 2Dublin/IE
Purpose
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS) are integral to radiology reporting in NHS hospitals.
The implementation of PACS and RIS serve to increase overall productivity in radiology through allowing faster access and manipulation of images1,
as well as increasing connectivity and interoperability in image sharing between trusts at a local,
regional and national level.2
However,
importance lies in ascertaining the usability of these systems amongst radiologists.
Despite efforts to improve overall efficiency in radiology,
little is known about the impact of PACS/RIS on radiologists’ reporting efficiency.
Therefore,
this study evaluates the efficiency of two different PACS/RIS systems from a user perspective,
through comparing the time taken to report chest x-rays (CXRs) on each system,
and the amount of ‘useful’ and ‘wasted’ reporting time for both systems.