Reginald Burns Wilcox, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

John Anthony Carrino MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joel Fallano DPT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ken Shannon, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ramin Khorasani MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Radiology is playing an increasing role in determining the treatment paradigm of the physical therapist (PT). The ability to access electronic images at the time of initial patient contact can have a significant impact on PTs’ clinical-decision making. As physical therapy moves towards a doctoring profession, with the clinical doctorate degree (DPT), it is frequently found that DPT curriculum includes formal radiological training. Our purpose was to determine if Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS) would increase the frequency of viewing radiological studies by PTs.

The frequency of viewing radiology images was compared before (film library requests) and after PACS implementation and training (electronic audit trails). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi square. Therapists' perceptions of the value of viewing radiological images were determined through the use of a questionnaire.

During the three months prior to PACS implementation, therapists viewed very few images (n = 12, 6 of 505, 1%, p<.0001), citing time as the number one barrier. Excluding the first month following PACS implementation, the frequency of viewing images rose significantly from the second (n = 12, 95 of 344, 28%, p<.0001) to third month (n = 12, 154 of 215, 72%, p<0.0001). The PTs that have completed post-professional DPT training in diagnostic imaging viewed significantly more images during the same time period; second month (n = 4, 70 of 74, 95%, p<.0001) and third month (n = 4, 117 of 118, 99%, p<0.0001). The therapists' placed a high value on the ability to access images immediately (87.5%), and that immediate access to images has a positive impact on treatment decisions (75.5%).

Providing electronic access to images has increased the number of radiological images that PTs are viewing. Successful PACS deployment provides a mechanism to improve upon physical therapy clinical decision-making. Future studies measuring the impact of viewing images on clinical decision-making and outcomes in physical therapy practice are needed.

Wilcox, R, Carrino, J, Fallano, J, Shannon, K, Khorasani, R, Picture Archiving Communication Systems and Their Potential Impact on Physical Therapy Clinical Decision Making.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4408351.html