Sarfaraz Sadruddin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Rohit Ramanathan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Leonardo Ivan Valentin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sean D. Raj MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Naveen Garg MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Document Storage Systems, Inc

Efficient radiology workflow with reduced distractions is essential in practice today to maintain productivity, provide quicker turnaround times to our referring clinicians, and most importantly, to provide better patient care. Current workflow is burdened by high volumes of phone call attendance and communications with the ordering providers and technologists. These interruptions not only decrease efficiency, but the current telephone based system is less accommodating to an ideal workflow where majority of time is spent on PACS and reporting. An integrated Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) within a webapplication provides a great solution and promises to revamp diagnostic radiology workflow in the near future as we demonstrate a working enterprise level solution.

Initial pilot data provided important feedback for evolution of our technology. Currently, we are collecting real-time user metrics while testing the webapplication, in addition to user satisfaction surveys. Future implementations will study head to head evaluation of traditional telephony service vs. VoIP integration with appropriate metrics.

Using webtechnologies and server side coding, an IP based VOIP server was utilized and the newest Webrtc techonology was implemented for DTLS-SRTP encryption, which is HIPPA compliant. A webapplication was then developed with departmental phone numbers and all the outpatient phone numbers in an easy to use format with a rapid AJAX based search. A click to call feature was implemented enabling utilization of the Dictaphone directly without disturbing workflow during dictation. Additionally, a first to pick up, first to talk rule allowed for calling multiple phone lines concurrently (for different pods at the outpatient clinic), and further reduced time wasted by the radiologist.

An excellent solution to reduce the phone call burden on the radiologist is a direct browser based VoIP implementation that features smart rules for calling and receiving via the Dictaphone to increase workflow efficiency.

Sadruddin, S, Ramanathan, R, Valentin, L, Raj, S, Garg, N, Smarter Communications: Integrating VoIP Solutions for Streamlining Radiology Workflow.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13024238.html