PACS in sonography: accuracy of interpretation using film compared with monitor display. Picture archiving and communication systems.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine the relative accuracy of interpretation of sonography when viewed on a monitor or on film.


METHODS
Four radiologists twice interpreted a series of 440 sonograms using the following sequences of display formats for initial and second interpretations: film-film, film-monitor, monitor-film, and monitor-monitor. Reporting discrepancies between the initial and subsequent interpretation were reviewed by an arbitration panel unaware of the display mode. Results were analyzed for differences in error rate attributable to film versus monitor display format, chronology of interpretation, individual observer, and observer seniority.


RESULTS
We found no statistically significant difference in the error rate for film (10.3%) versus monitor display format (14.6%) (p = .09). Likewise, we found no significant differences in the error rates attributable to chronology of interpretation (p = .13), individual observer (p = .54), or observer seniority (p = .87).


CONCLUSIONS
Interpretative accuracy is similar whether sonograms are interpreted on a monitor or on film.
Hertzberg
B S
BS
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Kliewer
M A
MA
Paulson
E K
EK
Sheafor
D H
DH
Freed
K S
KS
Bowie
J D
JD
Carroll
B A
BA
DeLong
D H
DH
Nelson
R C
RC
D016477:Artifacts; D003626:Data Display; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography