|
Voice Recognition Dictation System Added To PACS
The PowerScribe® voice recognition dictation system currently is being integrated into Northwest Community's Centricity® PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System). When a radiologist interprets and dictates an examination using PowerScribe®, the report is transcribed instantaneously by the use of voice recognizing computer software. Because of this, a final signed report can be generated - and available for others to read - literally within minutes of an examination's interpretation.
PACS workstation with PowerScribe® running. The brain MRI examination on the right has just been interpreted and dictated, the typed report (red arrow) ready for the radiologist to edit and approve. When electronically signed, it will be immediately available for others to read as a final report.
Once fully implemented, this will eliminate the need for the faxing of handwritten STAT reports, as a final typed electronically signed report will be available on PACS in less time that it takes to send and receive a fax. In addition to this improved report turnaround time for STAT imaging studies, the issuing of routine examination reports will be markedly expedited as well. Before voice recognition equipment was installed, the average time from examination completion (ie, patient imaging is finished) to having a final signed report was 27.6 hours. After the first three weeks of the PowerScribe® phase-in process, this time had already decreased to 6.8 hours and will further improve as full implementation takes place.
Improving The Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) Experience For Patients And Their Parents
VCUG is the study of choice to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux in children. Unfortunately, the VCUG experience typically causes anxiety for both child and parent. The examination can be unpleasant for several reasons - a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, the bladder is then filled to capacity, and the child is subsequently instructed to urinate on a fluoroscopy table (in front of strangers) so that the important voiding images can be obtained.
|
|
|
|
Voiding image from a VCUG study in a 3-year-old girl with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, grade III on the left and grade II on the right.
In an effort to provide quality VCUG studies at a minimal level of discomfort to the child and family, Northwest Community has embarked on a unique collaborative effort among the Departments of Radiology, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. Routine outpatient VCUG examinations are scheduled on Wednesday mornings. The family is brought to the Pediatric Emergency Department which, because it is not open to emergency patients until Noon, is quiet and otherwise empty at this time of day. The patient is catheterized in this child-friendly environment by a pediatric nurse and brought to the Radiology Department which is in close physical proximity. The VCUG study is then performed by a dedicated team of radiologists and radiological technologists.
To further decrease the unpleasantness of this experience, Northwest Community is one of only a few centers in this area to offer sedation with midazolam. This allows for anxiolysis during catheterization and imaging. Perhaps more importantly, there is also an antegrade amnesic effect, with published research showing the majority of children to either not remember the examination at all or to have no negative memories associated with it. Studies have also shown no adverse effects on the diagnostic accuracy of the VCUG examination when performed with this sedation. For further information or to schedule a pediatric patient for a VCUG, please call 847/618-5866.
For more information about Northwest Radiology Associates, the services we provide, and how to contact individual radiologists, please visit our web site: northwestradiologyassociates.com
If you are reading a printed version of this newsletter and would like to receive future editions electronically, please contact: ckalbhen@northwestradiologyassociates.com
If you do not wish to receive future editions of this eNewsletter, please contact the same individual. We also welcome your questions and comments.
|
.gif){kind=spacer}