Researchers from the Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo" in Trieste sought to evaluate the use of smartphones and tablets for extending a home teleradiology service to a regional and international level, according to presenter Floriana Zennaro, MD.
Two senior pediatric radiologists have been providing double-blind, independent reports on the same MR or CT exams using either PACS or smartphones (an iPhone with OsiriX DICOM display software or a Nexus One Android-based phone with an alpha version of DicomDroid display software).
From 80 cases, no findings have been missed so far, Zennaro said. And, interestingly, greater attention to image evaluation on the smartphone has allowed radiologists to find small, secondary findings that had been neglected during traditional PACS reading.
Testing is also under way utilizing tablets: Apple's iPad and Samsung Galaxy.
"If results continue to be positive, many new opportunities will open up," she told AuntMinnie.com. "In particular, senior experts of the various branches of radiology may be available for counseling in difficult cases. It will be possible to help in real-time newly hired radiologists having doubts or problems, provide counseling at a regional level, or help small radiology departments in developing countries."
