Radiologists' productivity in the interpretation of CT scans: A comparison of PACS with conventional film

OBJECTIVE. We compared radiologists' times in the interpretation of CT using hardcopy films with the interpretation using a soft-copy picture archiving and communication system (PACS) computer workstation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. One hundred CT examinations were selected at random and reviewed by four hoard-certified radiologists experienced in soft-copy interpretation. We performed time-motion analysis to determine the total time required to display, interpret, and dictate the individual findings of CT using conventional hard-copy interpretation on a viewbox and soft-copy interpretation, using a four-monitor high-resolution (2048 x 1536 pixel) workstation. RESULTS. Time-motion analysis showed a reduction of 16.2% in the overall time required for soft-copy interpretation of CT compared with that of film. Time savings with soft-copy interpretation were observed for all four participating radiologists. The benefit of soft-copy interpretation was increased for examinations in which there were comparison studies. CONCLUSION. We found that soft-copy interpretation of CT using a PACS workstation requires less rime than interpretation using conventional film hung on a viewbox, The transition to filmless imaging has the potential to improve radiologists' productivity and report-turnaround time.