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Biomedical subjects

Janice Honeyman-Buck

Publications and source records attributed to Janice Honeyman-Buck.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Free text versus structured format: information transfer efficiency of radiology reports.

OBJECTIVE: We discuss the effect of radiology report format on the accuracy and speed with which reviewers can extract case-specific information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Web-based testing mechanism was used to present radiology reports to each of 16 senior medical students and record their answers to 10 multiple choice questions about specific medical content for each of 12 cases. Subjects were randomly assigned to view the reports in either free text or structured format. In addition to number of answers correct for each case, we recorded the time taken for each case and an efficiency score (correctly answered questions per minute). These three outcomes were tested for differences on report format using multifactorial analysis of variance. A postexperimental questionnaire and a mediated focus group elicited subject preference as to radiology report format. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the three outcomes (score, time, and efficiency) between the free text and structured format conditions. The power of the experiment was sufficient to detect small differences in these outcomes by format. Subjects strongly and consistently expressed a preference for the structured version. CONCLUSION: We assert that free text and itemized (structured) forms of radiology reports are equally efficient and accurate for transmitting case-specific interpretative content to reviewers of the document.

Adult↗

A simple method for importing multiple image files into PowerPoint.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a method for automatically inserting a large number of images into a PowerPoint presentation document. CONCLUSION: We designed, tested, and now routinely use a simple macro program for importing all images contained in a single directory into a PowerPoint presentation. The complete text of the macro code is included in this article, and readers are encouraged to experiment with it.

Radiology Information Systems↗

PACS adoption.

Once the decision has been made to adopt PACS instead of a film-based radiology practice, there are a number of hurdles to jump. Users need to be aware of the impact the change will make on end users and be prepared to address issues that arise before they become problems. Someone who understands the technology of PACS must be identified to help make an informed decision about vendor selection, network architecture, workstation functionality, and archives. A PACS administrator should have the tools available to avoid problems with the system after implementation and should be able to repair the inevitable mistakes that will happen. Hopefully, this article can serve as a starting point for a potential new PACS adoption.

Decision Making↗