Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Patient photos spur radiologist empathy and eye for detail

Patient photos spur radiologist empathy and eye for detail

December 02, 2008

CHICAGO - Including a patient's photo with imaging exam results may enable a more meticulous reading from the radiologist interpreting the images, as well as a more personal and empathetic approach, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"Our study emphasizes approaching the patient as a human being and not as an anonymous case study," said lead author Yehonatan N. Turner, M.D., radiology resident at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel.




Many radiologists have limited contact with patients. A referring physician will order imaging exams, such as MRI or computed tomography (CT), and the radiologist interprets the results, never having met the patient.

Technological advances have further distanced the radiologist from interaction with the patient. With the advent of teleradiology, radiologists are now able to view images from remote locations via the Internet or satellite.

"We feel it is important to counteract the anonymity that is common in radiologic exams, especially with the growth of teleradiology," Dr. Turner said.

The researchers set out to determine if the addition of a patient's photograph to the file would affect how radiologists interpreted the results.

For the study, 318 patients referred for CT agreed to be photographed prior to the exam. The images of the patients were added to their files in the hospital's picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a network for storage and retrieval of medical images. The photograph appeared automatically when a patient's file was opened.

After interpreting the results of the exams, 15 radiologists were given questionnaires to gather data about their experience. All 15 radiologists admitted feeling more empathy towards the patients after viewing their photos. In addition, the photographs revealed medical information such as suffering or physical signs of disease.

More importantly, the results showed that radiologists provided a more meticulous reading of medical image results when a photo of the patient accompanied the file.

Incidental findings are unexpected abnormalities found on an image that may have health implications beyond the scope of the original exam. In order to assess the effect of the photographs on interpretation, 81 examinations with incidental findings were shown in a blinded fashion to the same radiologists three months later but without the photos. Approximately 80 percent of the radiologic incidental findings reported originally were not reported when the photograph was omitted from the file.

The radiologists involved in the study commented that while the addition of the photo did not lengthen the time spent reading, it was a factor in how meticulously they interpreted the images. All 15 radiologists agreed that the inclusion of a photograph in a patient's file should be adopted into routine practice. The photos can also be included in long-distance teleradiology practices.

"The photos were very helpful both in terms of improving diagnosis and the physicians' own feelings as caregivers," Dr. Turner said. "Down the road, we would like to see photos added to all radiology case files."

Radiological Society of North America



Related Radiologists Current Events and Radiologists News Articles Radiologists Current Events and Radiologists News RSS Radiologists Current Events and Radiologists News RSS
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.

Residents play key role in CT colonography awareness and promoting the radiology specialty
Residents can serve a vital role in educating Congress, the medical community, and the general public regarding the efficacy of cutting-edge technologies like CT colonography (CTC) as well as the importance of radiologists' training and education and the role that radiologists serve in the provision of quality health care.

URI research couple's method targets cancerous tumors
Two University of Rhode Island associate professors, biophysicists Yana Reshetnyak and Oleg Andreev, have discovered a technology that can detect cancerous tumors and deliver treatment to them without the harming the healthy cells surrounding them, thereby significantly reducing side effects.

Experts unveil new CVD guidelines and position papers
Several new guidelines and position papers offering the most up to date information to ensure that clinicians practice evidence-based medicine were released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009 this week.

Lifestyle changes remain important in fighting peripheral arterial disease
Modifying the risk of peripheral arterial disease (or PAD)-with healthy lifestyle changes-remains vital to one's health, note researchers in a recent issue of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Radiologists develop scale to help clinicians predict disease severity in infants with NEC
Radiologists at Duke University Medical Center have developed a scale called the Duke Abdominal Assessment Scale (DAAS) to assist clinicians in determining the severity of disease and the need for surgery in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

U-M researchers find those with severe H1N1 at risk for pulmonary emboli
University of Michigan researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary emboli, according to a study published today in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.

PMH clinicians map group at high risk for aggressive, 'hidden' prostate cancer
Clinical researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) can now answer the question that baffles many clinicians - why do some men with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels who are carefully monitored and undergo repeated negative biopsies still develop aggressive prostate cancer?

Image-guided treatment for deep venous thrombosis could improve patients' long-term outcomes
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that involves the formation of a blood clot inside of a deep vein usually in the legs. A patient with DVT is typically treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners) however researchers have found that image-guided interventional radiology procedures may play a more central role in the long-term treatment of DVT.
More Radiologists Current Events and Radiologists News Articles
Radiobiology for the Radiologist

Radiobiology for the Radiologist
by Eric J Hall (Author), Amato J Giaccia (Author)

The updated Sixth Edition of this popular text will remain the first choice for those who need current, clinically relevant information on how radiation affects the human body. Written by practicing, active radiobiologists, the book brings together basic laboratory research and practical, clinical applications. The easy-to-read text and informative illustrations ensure comprehension, and summaries at the end of each chapter facilitate quick review. The first section covers topics applicable to diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology; the second section offers material specifically for radiation oncologists. This edition includes new material about doses and risks in interventional radiology and cardiology. "Doody's Core Titles™ 2009."

  RadGirl Radiology Blog
by RadGirl (Radiologist)

A blog about the musings of a girl radiologist :) All random topics about my personal and professional life as a physician and radiologist!Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day.

Job Occupation - Radiologist Mouse Pad

Job Occupation - Radiologist Mouse Pad

This is a brand new custom made high quality mouse pad imprinted using the latest sublimation technology. This process embeds the image permanently and gives it a smooth surface with a crisp and vivid image. It is 8 1/2" x 7" in size and 1/8 thick. It has a non skid backing to prevent slipping. It will work with any type of mouse: ball, optical, laser.

Hoodie Mens Navy Blue " Radiologist who thinks " Occupations XXX-Large

Hoodie Mens Navy Blue " Radiologist who thinks " Occupations XXX-Large
by TopExpressions



  RADIOLOGIST Street Sign ~ Custom Aluminum Street Signs
by Vinyl Graphics Planet

Custom Aluminum Street Sign. Made of aluminum and high quality 5-7 year outdoor vinyl lettering and graphics this sign is 4 x 18 inches. Made to last for years outdoors the sign is nice enough to display indoors. Want the 6"x24" size check out our other listings. Cannot find what your looking for just contact us we''ll get it listed.

Radiobiology For The Radiologist

Radiobiology For The Radiologist
by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Radiobiology for the Radiologist : Radiobiology for the Radiologist Pub Date: December 2005 Product Type: Print Author/s: Eric J Hall DPhil, DSc, FACR, FRCR; Amato J Giaccia PhD The updated Sixth Edition of this popular text will remain the first choice for those who need current, clinically relevant information on how radiation affects the human body. Written by practicing, active radiobiologists, the book brings together basic laboratory research and practical, clinical applications. The easy-to-read text and informative illustrations ensure comprehension, and summaries at the end of each chapter facilitate quick review.The first section covers topics applicable to diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology; the second section offers material...

Pocket Radiologist Chest: Top 100 Diagnosis

Pocket Radiologist Chest: Top 100 Diagnosis
by Jud Gurney MD (Author)

(Amirsys) Univ. of Nebraska, Omaha. Pocket-sized text, for physicians and residents, provides key information on the 100 most important diagnoses in a this area. Includes key facts, imaging findings, differential diagnosis, pathology, clinical issues, and selected references. Bulleted-outline format. Softcover.

Breast MRI & Advanced Mammographic Techniques - MQSA CME Credits

Breast MRI & Advanced Mammographic Techniques - MQSA CME Credits
by Meetings By Mail

The DVD-ROM is designed for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, breast surgeons and technologists interested in integrating newer breast imaging technologies such as breast MRI, digital mammography, computer-aided diagnosis, and digital breast tomosynthesis into their practice. This content fulfills the MQSA CME requirements for physicians and technologists.

14k Saint Michael Medal Pendant

14k Saint Michael Medal Pendant
by A Great Jewelry Co.

14k Saint Michael Medal Pendant - Picture shown above is not actual size, it is to showcase the fine craftsmanship and quality.

The Science and Technology of X-Rays: Inside Information DVD (1941)

The Science and Technology of X-Rays: Inside Information DVD (1941)

Inside Information explores the different uses of X-rays, as well as the machines that harness them. Wonderful vintage technology in action, the film shows: police checking for bombs by X-raying packages, X-rays being used to check for defects in airplane parts in a factory, a boy getting an X-ray in a doctor's office, and a car brake is shown in cutaway and X-ray. The car brake is shown in some detail, and is compared to a human ankle, which is also shown though X-rays. As a piece of the history of science and technology, Inside Information accomplishes everything it sets out to.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com