Title
Impact of PACS on dictation turnaround time and productivity.
Abstract
This study was conducted to measure the impact of PACS on dictation turnaround time and productivity. The radiology information system (RIS) database was interrogated to calculate the time interval between image production and dictation for every exam performed during three 90-day periods (the 3 months preceding PACS implementation, the 3 months immediately following PACS deployment, and a 3-month period 1 year after PACS implementation). Data were obtained for three exam types: chest radiographs, abdominal CT, and spine MRI. The mean dictation turnaround times obtained during the different pre- and post-PACS periods were compared using analysis of variance ANOVA). Productivity was also determined for each period and for each exam type, and was expressed as the number of studies interpreted per full-time equivalent [FTE) radiologist. In the immediate post-PACS period, dictation turnaround time decreased 20% [p < 0.001) for radiography, but increased 13% (ns) for CT and 28% (P < 0.001) for MRI. One year after PACS was implemented, dictation turnaround time decreased 45% (P < 0.001) for radiography and 36% (p < 0.001) for MRI. For CT, 1 year post-PACS, turnaround times returned to pre-PACS levels. Productivity in the immediate post-PACS period increased 3% and 38% for radiography and CT, respectively, whereas a 6% decrease was observed for MRI. One year after implementation, productivity increased 27%, 98%, and 19% in radiography, CT, and MRI, respectively. PACS benefits, namely, shortened dictation turnaround time and increased productivity, are evident 1 year after PACS implementation. In the immediate post-PACS period, results vary with the different imaging modalities.
Year
DOI
Venue
2006
10.1007/s10278-005-9245-8
JOURNAL OF DIGITAL IMAGING
Keywords
Field
DocType
PACS,dictation turnaround time,productivity
Imaging modalities,Radiology information systems,Dictation,Radiography,Turnaround time,Radiology,Medicine,Magnetic resonance imaging
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
19
1.0
0897-1889
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
16
1.37
5
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Luigi Lepanto1535.24
Guy Paré261649.01
David Aubry3222.08
Pierre N Robillard456865.22
Jacques Lesage5161.37