PACS reading time comparision: the workstation versus alternator for ultrasound

Steven C. Horii M.D.; Brian S. Garra; Seong Ki Mun; Jon Singer; Robert K. Zeman; Betty A. Levine; Robert Fielding; Shih-Chung Benedict Lo

doi:10.1117/12.45310

1 July 1991 PACS reading time comparision: the workstation versus alternator for ultrasound

Steven C. Horii M.D., Brian S. Garra, Seong Ki Mun, Jon Singer, Robert K. Zeman, Betty A. Levine, Robert Fielding, Shih-Chung Benedict Lo

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1446, Medical Imaging V: PACS Design and Evaluation; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45310
Event: Medical Imaging '91, 1991, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

During a nine-month period, ultrasound reading was switched between a PACS workstation (CommViewR, AT&T/Philips) and a film alternator (PanoramascopeR RADX). The two radiologists who participated in this study were well acquainted with the operation of both systems. A total of 430 cases were read, and whether on film (n equals 292) or from the workstation (n equals 138), a routine mix of cases was interpreted. A timing study was performed which involved recording the time it took to read and dictate the cases. A previous study had concentrated on other facets of the total time, so these were not repeated. Over all cases read, the workstation readings took longer by an average of approximately 33 seconds per case. A review of the reports generated showed no differences in the average length, so that the time difference was thought to be due to other factors. The majority of the difference is the result of the longer time it takes to display all images at full resolution on the workstation. On the alternator, the average number of films per case can fit on one alternator panel, so to see all images, there is no need to page to the next panel. The workstation, on the other hand, can only display about half of the total images per study at once, so that paging must be done for almost all cases. This paper presents the detailed findings of this study and discusses the implications for the daily use of a workstation for reading.

Citation Download Citation

Steven C. Horii M.D., Brian S. Garra, Seong Ki Mun, Jon Singer, Robert K. Zeman, Betty A. Levine, Robert Fielding, and Shih-Chung Benedict Lo "PACS reading time comparision: the workstation versus alternator for ultrasound", Proc. SPIE 1446, Medical Imaging V: PACS Design and Evaluation, (1 July 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45310

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