| Electronic messaging system for communicating important, but nonemergent, abnormal imaging results. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20884911 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic messaging system for accurately communicating important, but not emergent, abnormal radiology results to referring physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Institutional Review Board deemed this proposal a quality improvement project that did not require formal approval. The electronic messaging system permits radiologists to submit online requests to communicate important, but not emergent, abnormal findings and recommended follow-up to two communications facilitators, who contact referring health care providers by e-mail or telephone. Of 10,510 electronic communications during a 3-year period, a representative sample of 500 communications were selected for detailed analysis. To eliminate bias associated with increased experience with the system, every 20th communication during the 3 years that the messaging system had been functional was examined. Parameters studied included the rate of successful communications with referring physicians, the frequency of these being accomplished within the goal of 48 hours from the time of radiologist submission, and the results of an e-mail survey of physicians to assess their satisfaction with the system. RESULTS: The radiologic abnormality was successfully communicated to the referring physician in every communication. Overall, a mean of 82.2% ± 3.3 (standard deviation) of communications were accomplished within the goal of 48 hours, with this goal being met in 93.7% ± 2.3 of communications submitted Monday through 3 pm on Thursday. Satisfaction among referring physicians was high (79.0% ± 3.8 satisfied; 5.0% ± 2.0 dissatisfied), especially among those with the most experience with the system. CONCLUSION: The electronic messaging system communicated important, but not emergent, abnormal radiology results to referring physicians in a timely, accurate, and relatively inexpensive manner. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.10101015/-/DC1. |
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Authors:
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Ronald L Eisenberg; Kei Yamada; Chun S Yam; Paul W Spirn; Jonathan B Kruskal |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article Date: 2010-09-30 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Radiology Volume: 257 ISSN: 1527-1315 ISO Abbreviation: Radiology Publication Date: 2010 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-11-18 Completed Date: 2011-01-10 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0401260 Medline TA: Radiology Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 724-31 Citation Subset: AIM; IM |
Copyright Information:
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© RSNA, 2010 |
Affiliation:
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Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rleisenb@bidmc.harvard.edu |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Communication* Electronic Mail* Humans Interprofessional Relations* Radiology Department, Hospital / organization & administration* Referral and Consultation* |
| Comments/Corrections | |
Comment In:
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Radiology. 2010 Dec;257(3):609-11
[PMID:
21084411
]
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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