Mony Weschler MSC, BSC, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Sheldon Sharpe BSC, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stephen Fogarasi BSC, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Medical displays are a key element in the radiology imaging chain. Displays visualize the final medical images and therefore form the basis of the diagnosis. But the display is also a tool which is used many hours per day and therefore can have a serious influence on productivity, eye-strain and ergonomics. Radiology workstations typically consist of two displays each having a resolution of 3 MegaPixel. Approximately one year ago our institution upgraded to new 6 MegaPixel displays that can show two 3 MegaPixel images in one single display. Because two displays are being replaced by one, there is less need for eye-movement from one display to another which can influence productivity and eye-strain. This papers studies whether this change in medical displays comes with an increase of productivity or ergonomics for the radiologist.  

Three independent methods have been used. Radiologists have been asked to complete a survey with questions about their subjective feeling whether the new display has an influence on productivity, eye-strain and ergonomics. Secondly, the average number of cases per day has been measured both for the dual 3 MegaPixel display setup, as well as for the new 6 MegaPixel displays. Finally, a study has been performed where radiologists read a number of cases (of several modalities) both on the dual 3 MegaPixel as well as on the 6 MegaPixel setup with a washout period in between. Reading time per case on both configurations was measured.  

The survey indicates that in general radiologists feel that the new 6 MegaPixel displays increase their productivity and provide a more ergonomic solution with less eye-strain. This subjective feeling is confirmed by the average time per case measurements. Exact numbers of productivity increase are still being calculated on a larger sample set, but preliminary findings suggest an increase in productivity of 3-5%.  

Display systems can influence productivity of radiologists. More than one year of experience with the new 6 MegaPixel displays made clear that a productivity increase of 3-5% is possible as well as reduced eye-strain.

Radiologists work under large pressure to reach the required number of cases per day. Therefore any change in the workflow that can increase productivity is highly welcome and directly relevant for cl

Weschler, M, Sharpe, S, Fogarasi, S, Influence of Medical Display System on Productivity and Eye-strain of Radiologists.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12033286.html