Teleradiology using low-cost consumer-oriented computer hardware and software.
OBJECTIVE
Our study was a practice audit to evaluate the feasibility of using low-cost, consumer-oriented computer hardware and software to perform after-hours teleradiology consisting predominantly of CT images.


METHODS
We performed a prospective study of 137 consecutive emergent CT scans of the head obtained after business hours. The scans were digitized using a consumer-oriented, low-cost flatbed scanner and sent to on-call radiologists for interpretation. Preliminary reports were then telephoned to the referring physician. Another radiologist who was unaware of the preliminary report evaluated the hard-copy images.


RESULTS
Combining cases with minor discrepancies and those of complete agreement, we found a 96% concordance. Five major discrepancies (4%) were found. No adverse outcomes resulted. Discrepancies were caused by interobserver variation rather than by the quality of the digitized images.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the use of consumer-oriented, low-cost computer hardware and software for emergent teleradiology in which most of the transmitted studies consist of CT images of the head.
Pysher
L
L
Centura Health System/St. Thomas More Hospital, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA.
Harlow
C
C
D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003201:Computers; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods