Structured reporting continues to mature

The promises of structured reporting for the diagnostic imaging interpretation report are improved clinician communication, better quality patient care and improved workflow. However, work remains on these systems to enable seamless deployment that does not compromise radiologist productivity or, potentially, their interpretation accuracy.

According to David L. Weiss, MD, and Curtis P. Langlotz, MD, PhD, the formatting and organizational aspects delivered by current-generation structured reporting systems are desirable and necessary for effective and efficient communication to clinical colleagues.

Standardized nomenclature, one of the greatest benefits of structured reporting applications, is an area that pits system proponents against detractors. On the one hand, a defined interpretation language permits diagnostic certainty between radiologist and referring clinician. On the other hand, the automation of reporting could add a tedious monotony to the communication process, resulting in a commoditization of radiology as a specialty.

Perhaps the greatest objection to structured reporting systems lies in the selection of an interface for the interpreting clinician. Anything that takes the radiologist’s eyes off the image is a distraction to the interpretative process, and most input devices require this.

In other news, for a cash-strapped radiology practice or department looking to deploy business intelligence tools to analyze information from disparate databases, a team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has developed an open-source prototype application that offers a solution.

The group has crafted and implemented a tool that allows for the aggregation and analysis of data from a wide variety of information systems—such as PACS, RIS, EMRs, CPOEs and financial applications—commonly encountered by a radiology practice. Read more about their low-cost business intelligence application.

If you’re headed to the forthcoming RSNA conference in Chicago next week, or are just interested in what’s on the menu for healthcare IT this year, stop by our RSNA 360 feature. Our preview will help you get started to plan your path through the exhibits in McCormick Place and Lakeside Center, or can provide you with a virtual overview if you’re staying home to mind the practice.

Lastly, if you have a comment or report to share about the development or deployment of healthcare IT solutions in your practice, please contact me at the address below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Batchelor, Web Editor
jbatchelor@trimedmedia.com