Ronald L. Eisenberg MD, JD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Kei Yamada MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chun-Shan Yam PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paul Whiston Spirn MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jonathan B. Kruskal MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the success of an electronic dashboard system, introduced three years ago, for timely communication of significant, but not emergent, abnormal radiology results impacting on patient care to referring physicians in a large tertiary academic medical center.

Of the 908,475 imaging examinations performed between 2006 and 2009, the results of 10,510 (1.2%) were submitted according to departmental guidelines to the dashboard for communicating of significant, but not emergent, abnormalities by a dedicated communication assistant. A representative and manageable sample of 500 cases was randomly selected for detailed analysis. Parameters studied included the rate and mechanism of successful communications with referring physicians, the frequency of these being accomplished within the goal of 48 hours from the time of radiologist submission, and an e-mail survey of physician to assess their satisfaction with the system and solicit suggestions for improvement.

The radiographic abnormality was successfully communicated to the referring physician in every case. Overall, 82.2% of dashboard communications were accomplished within the goal of 48 hours, with this goal being met in 93.7% of cases submitted Monday through 3 PM on Thursday. Satisfaction among referring physicians was high.

The electronic dashboard communicates significant, but not emergent, abnormal radiology results to 100% of referring physicians in a timely and relatively inexpensive manner.

The electronic dashboard improves patient care by ensuring timely communication of significant, but not emergent, abnormal radiology results to referring physicians

Eisenberg, R, Yamada, K, Yam, C, Spirn, P, Kruskal, J, Effectiveness of an Electronic Dashboard for Communicating Significant, but Not Emergent, Imaging Findings: Outcomes of Initial 10,000 Cases.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9003800.html