Chun-Shan Yam PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Bettina Siewert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jonathan Yam, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jonathan B. Kruskal MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Author, UpToDate, Inc

Seth Joshua Berkowitz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mandated by the ABR, Peer Review is becoming part of the daily routine for many radiologists in the United States; however, Peer Review is not yet 100% compliant in all radiology settings. One of most common issues hampering the Peer Review process in today’s radiology workflow is the lack of anonymity for the reading radiologist who rendered the original report. Many radiologists have shared a common concern that Peer Review may damage interpersonal relationships with their colleagues. Based on a literature search on currently available Peer Review implementations in radiology institutions, none of these systems are anonymous – the name of the reading radiologist is exposed to the reviewers. The main reason for this drawback is because the process is attached to the existing RIS and PACS system for image viewing and it is very expensive to duplicate the entire PACS just for anonymous viewing. In this study, we propose a novel and simple solution for an anonymized Peer Review system.

We have developed a mechanism to bridge the PACS image database and the Peer Review system using a simple Java based web browser for displaying the DICOM images. To be HIPAA compliant, other associated materials such as reports and pathology results are also available for the reviewer with all PHI removed. An applet was developed using an open source software Java Development Kit for image viewing. The DICOM communication between the viewer and PACS is connected by another freeware MIR Central Test Node DICOM Software. Basic image manipulation tools such as scrolling, zooming and measuring are provided for the reviewers. This new software is available for RSNA readers upon request to the authors.

We have developed novel software allowing for anonymized Peer Review in PACS/RIS Radiology settings.

Since both images and reports are completely anonymized, reviewers can focus on the Peer Review process more effectively instead of worrying about the potential risk of damaging the interpersonal and/or professional relationships with their colleagues.  We believe this novel software will encourage more radiologists to participate into this required  Peer Review process.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14018576/14018576_assc.jpg

Yam, C, Siewert, B, Yam, J, Kruskal, J, Berkowitz, S, Improving Peer Review Compliance: A Novel Solution for Anonymous Review on PACS.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14018576.html