Radiology, Vol 169, 41-44, Copyright © 1988 by Radiological Society of North America
Effect of a digital imaging network on physician behavior in an intensive care unit
DN De Simone, HL Kundel, RL Arenson, SB Seshadri, IS Brikman, SS Khalsa, MJ Davey and NE Brisbon
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
This study examined the effect of a medical image management network on the
behavior of physicians working in a medial intensive care unit (MICU). For
1 year, 8-week periods during which chest radiographs were digitized and
made available to MICU physicians on a digital display console were
alternated with 8-week periods during which only film images were
available. Clinical efficacy during the periods was compared by measuring
the time between completion of imaging examinations and initiation of
specific clinical actions such as placement and positioning of tubes.
Results indicate that the time required to take some clinical actions
decreased with the immediate availability of images on the digital display
console. Established procedures for obtaining radiologic information were
altered by the digital imaging network. The time at which physicians viewed
images changed, and consultations between MICU staff and radiologists
decreased. These results indicate that behavior patterns are altered when a
new technology replaces an existing one. Optimal use of this technology may
require changes in the logistics of clinical practice.
