%0 Journal Article
%T Electronic Reporting in Radiology
%A M. Fatehi
%J Iranian Journal of Radiology
%D 2005
%I Tehran University of Medical Sciences
%X Introduction & Background: Despite well-known technologic advances in medical imaging and availability of modern modalities, the reporting aspect of radiology practice had not been changed until recent decade when IT facilities were used to improve the quality and workflow of radiology reporting. Report is still considered the most important indicator of the performance of radiologists. In this article some methods and technologies used to electronically produce and distribute radiology reports are shared. Automated / Semi-authomated Data Entry: One of the old methods to produce a report has been touch-screen panels to enter data using a checklist. It has replaced by modern PC based applications. Dictation / Speech Recognition: Automation of natural language reporting is the most widely developed method for electronic reporting. Hardware and software are designed for speech recognition, editing and elec-tronic signature. The effectiveness of this method in costs and time has been repeatedly documented. Although primarily seemed to be an automation of routine radiology practice, speech recognition has changed the work-flow of radiology department. A typical speech recognition system consists of (1) a speech engine, (2) an inter-face, (3) Integration (with PACS & RIS), (4) Navigation, (5) Macros & Templates, (6) Network issues, (7) User preferences, and (8) Text-to-voice converter. Structured Reporting: Structured reporting has been introduced as one of major substitutes for speech recogni-tion technology. Findings and interpretations are inserted into the report text using a promising capability to be integrated to a decision support system. DICOM standard permits inclusion of test element to images that are distributed with PACS and telecommunicated. In this way, when the clinician is viewing the image, inter-pretation and findings are also attached to the file. Currently DICOM SR has not the ability to be used as a comprehensive structured reporting platform. Multi-media Reporting: When we are in digital environment we do not need to limit ourselves to ordinary hardcopy films and text reports. We may include moving pictures, voice (warning or descriptive narrations from the interpreting radiologist), color images, etc. Familiarity of reporting radiologist and availability of ap-propriate viewer facilities in clinicianĄ¯s offices are mandatory for successful MM Reporting. Report Distribution Using Information Technology: One of the most important advantages of electronic re-porting is potential for rapid and distant distribution of reports. Emailing, ins
%U http://journals.tums.ac.ir/PdfMed.aspx?pdf_med=/upload_files/pdf/2247.pdf&manuscript_id=2247