The computer-based cumulative report: improvement in quality and efficiency.

Abstract

A cumulative radiology report, like clinical progress notes, contains a listing of examinations and findings in chronologic order. Word processing is the most efficient way to create such a report, with follow-up examinations handled as additions to an existing document. Since 1988, cumulative reports on 127 cases involving 483 examinations have been made for a long-term industrial chest radiology survey by using a personal computer and custom software that employs minimum keystrokes to manage files. The results were as follows: (a) Quality improved operationally owing to routine auditing of prior information. (b) Efficiency improved owing to computer speed and software functions that included a refined "last in-first out" index and user-defined macros. (c) The radiologist saved time by not having to reiterate previously reported findings that were unchanged. This method is ideal for long-term surveys and could be a useful option for follow-up examinations in general.