This custom-built system by co-presenter Dr. Mahesh Patel eliminates repetitive tasks prone to data entry errors and streamlines the radiologists' workflow and dictating process. It's easy, it's accurate, and it has become the preferred method of reporting DEXA exams by Santa Clara Valley Medical Center radiologists.
How does it work? Radiologists generate a report using a physician viewer and a customized template that also automatically retrieves prior studies performed on the same unit and incorporates them into the report content.
Using a Microsoft Windows-based macro scripting editor (Macro Express, Insight Software Solutions, Kaysville, UT), by simply pressing an assigned hot key, a preliminary report can be created from data obtained through the DEXA unit. It automatically transfers to the speech recognition dictation system and automatically fills in the fields of a report template. It is then ready for radiology review and sign off.
"This essentially eliminated the monotony of having the radiologist manually enter numeric values. We've streamlined the whole process of DEXA reporting and have eliminated steps where errors could be inadvertently made," said Dr. Michael Iv, a third-year radiology resident and co-author.
"We believe that others in similar situations can find this solution helpful, especially since it is inexpensive, accurate, and time-saving. In addition, macro scripting can be adapted to facilitate other customized projects on PACS. As one example, while previewing a specific patient's images on PACS, we can automatically pull up his or her digital medical record/history simply by pressing another hot key," he said.
