Computer-aided information retrieval system for neuroradiological procedures.

Abstract

A simple computer-aided system for storage and selective retrieval of radiological records has been developed. The system is easily tailored to particular specialties in radiology and requires only a few minutes of the radiologist's time for each case. The components of this system are a coded file card and a computer program package. The card used is a standard 8 × 5 in. file card, printed on both sides as illustrated in Fig. 1. Most entries in this card are self-explanatory. Patient number is entered on both sides of the card for convenience in keypunching and control. This number is an internal hospital number but, in anticipation of its likely succession by the national Social Insurance Number, the latter is collected (SIN) when available. Diagnostic coding uses an expanded form of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Index. Space is provided for a brief clinical summary and a summary of the radiological report, neither of which are entered into the computer file. The radiological technician enters the basic patient data onto the card, encircling the appropriate code numbers at the time of examination. Subsequently, the radiologist writes a brief summary of the radiological findings on the card, codes his diagnosis and notes any complications. At the end of each month the completed cases are keypunched and entered into the computer file. The file cards are returned to the Radiology Department to be filed by patient name as a useful quick reference.