Effect of computerized requisition of radiology examinations on the transmission of clinical information.
OBJECTIVE
The authors developed a method to evaluate the availability and accuracy of clinical data proffered by clinicians when ordering radiologic examinations with a computer order-entry system.


METHODS
Two thousand consecutive clinical indications for a spectrum of pediatric imaging studies were scrutinized for accuracy by means of computerized chart review, verbal communication with clinical attending staff, and reference to surgical and laboratory results. The indications were classified as appropriate, incorrect, misleading, or incomplete.


RESULTS
Of the 2,000 stated indications, 1,464 (73%) provided a reasonable, if minimal, amount of clinical information; however, in 376 (19%) cases the diagnosis or proximate indication was incorrect, in 108 (5%) cases the data were incomplete, and in 52 (3%) cases the information was misleading.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer order-entry systems can improve the transmission of clinical information but they allow misinformation to be provided.
Markert
D J
DJ
Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, USA.
Haney
P J
PJ
Allman
R M
RM
D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011859:Radiography