PACS have been integral in helping radiologists store and manage exam results for countless patients. As the health care industry moves deeper into the digital world, these technologies will experience integration that enhance their capabilities, including electronic health records.
A new study, published in the August 2014 issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology, showed that an integrated electronic alert system included in a PACS can facilitate the communication of radiology reports among physicians and reduce the risk of missing important or unexpected findings in medical imaging results. Led by Sara Hayes, M.D., of Cork University Hospital in Cork, Ireland, researchers at the institution developed the system to protect patients transitioning between various departments, HealthImaging reported.
The system utilized an automated email, as well as text messages, from the radiology department to referring physicians regarding unexpected findings during medical imaging procedures. Upon the discovery of a physical anomaly, doctors would be alerted to the results and be kept up to date on any abnormal developments. While beneficial, the system did not replace the requirement for radiologists to call providers if immediate action were needed.
The Cork University system is akin to one created by Hayes in May 2014 at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. There, a team reviewed cases over a 14-month period using a PACS-integrated keyword system that delved into chest radiograph findings. Out of the almost 40,000 exams, 158 were assigned keywords pertaining to unexpected findings. In total, 11.4 percent were benign, 27.8 percent were likely benign, 14.6 percent were likely malignant and 4.4 percent showed signs of malignancies.
Similar study, similar findings
At Cork, Hayes and her colleagues implemented the same study parameters on their own alert system to determine its efficacy. During the 14-month study, 57.6 percent of referring physicians replied within 24 hours of receiving the report, with an average response of 3.1 days. Out of the 158 reports that were flagged, almost half were from the emergency department.
The final diagnoses for these reports included 13.9 percent malignancies, 49.4 percent contained benign lesions and 20.2 percent indicated no presence of abnormalities.
Integrating other software into PACS, including EHRs, has shown to improve coordination among physicians. As radiologists aim to bolster their services, specific components like a customized alert system will become more alluring.
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Ronny Bachrach
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