Image workstation in a medical intensive care unit changes viewing patterns and timing of image-based clinical actions in routine portable chest radiographs

摘要

In order to determine the effect of an image workstation, viewing patterns and related clinical actions were evaluated in a randomized prospective study. During 16 weeks of Computed Radiography data collection, an image workstation was conveniently available to the Medical Intensive Care Unit clinicians. The workstation was not available for clinical use during 16 weeks of Analog Film data collection. Viewing patterns were evaluated by comparing viewing times. Patient care was evaluated by comparing the time of performing image based clinical actions. The percentage of routine exams viewed before AM Radiology Conference increased from 0% during the Analog Periods to 27% during the CR PACS Periods. Clinicians selected images taken during the first few days of the patient's admission for viewing before conference. Images taken later in admission were viewed during or after conference. On days when radiology conference was not held, images were viewed significantly earlier when the workstation was available. Clinical actions based on images viewed on the workstation were performed significantly earlier. When an image workstation was available routine images were viewed sooner and image based actions occurred earlier.