Anand S. Patel MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Wyatt Michael Tellis PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Officer, EyePACS, LLC

David E. Avrin MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Stockholder, Amirsys, Inc Consultant, Amirsys, Inc

Ronald L. Arenson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

A patient controlled, image enabled personal health record is feasible; however, traditional radiology film library workflow may need to be optimized to maximize patient enrollment.

Medicare expenditure on imaging has nearly doubled from $6.5B in the year 2000 to $11.7B in 2009. At least 10-20% of these costs are due to duplicate exams, frequently due to the inaccessibility of prior studies during the transfer of care between institutions. In response the RSNA, in partnership with the NIBIB, launched the Image Share Network in 2009. The network aims to improve efficiency, safety, and empower patients with direct control of their exams via a cloud based personal health record. As 1 of 5 pilot sites, we present our experience with patient enrollment and adoption.

Despite low initial enrollment, the modification to include patients phoning in helped increase numbers to their highest monthly total to date. Since a lengthy conversation with patients is required for recruitment, additional film library staff is being considered. Expansion to include patients as they first visit the department, just prior to their exams, could also boost enrollment. Notably only 21% of patients reside more than 50 miles from the hospital; perhaps less than expected given those living farther away may be keener to acquire their records. Several factors could contribute to this and will be elucidated in a follow-up survey of patients from all sites.

With IRB approval, enrollment began in August 2011 with patients coming to the department’s film library to obtain a CD of their exams. Film library staff recruited patients with a pre-scripted dialogue explaining the project and requesting consent to participate. After 3 months it was determined the majority of CD requests were over the phone rather than in person. Thus recruitment was adjusted to include patients who called in. As of March 2012, 38 patients have enrolled with an average age of 41 +/- 18 years (16M, 22F) requesting a total of 268 exams (112 xray/fluoro/IR, 70 MRI, 58 CT, 13 u/s, 9 nuclear, 6 mammo). 63% of cross sectional studies were neuroradiology exams. 8 patients resided farther than 50 miles from the institution.

Patel, A, Tellis, W, Avrin, D, Arenson, R, The RSNA Image Share Network: Initial 7 Month Results from a Pilot Site.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12031580.html