<title>PACS workstation usage and patient outcome surrogates</title>

Abstract

Investigate the availability and use of radiographic reports both with and without a PACS workstation and investigate physician's opinions on using a workstation. The availability and use of radiographic reports and related patient care were evaluate in a randomized prospective study. Data from a 20 week period of collection, when images were displayed on multiviewers was compared to a 16 week period of data collection, when images were available on an image workstation in the clinical area. Patient care was evaluated by comparing clinical actions. A survey was distributed to the clinical staff to clinical area. Patient care was evaluated by comparing clinical actions. A survey was distributed to the clinical staff to determine their opinion of the image workstation. During periods without the workstation the clinical staff obtained reports o n 90 percent of the exams. During the PACS periods reports were obtained on 51 percent of exams. Sixty four percent of the surveyed clinicians reported a low to moderate level of confidence in interpreting images on the workstation. The percentage of image based clinical actions taken without radiology input increased from 12 percent during periods without the workstation to 74 percent during PACS. A PACS workstation in the clinical area decreases consultation if not supported with timely radiographic reports and may not benefit patient care.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.