RADIATE: A New Concept for Computer Coding, Transmitting, Storing, and Retrieving Radiological Data

Abstract

The rapid transcription and transmission of the radiologist's opinion into the written report on the ward is a goal constantly sought but rarely achieved. Storage of vast quantities of radiologic (and all medical) information is an acute and expanding problem. The expeditious retrieval of accurately stored information is nearly impossible. Electronic digital computers which process, transmit, store, and retrieve large amounts of data at speeds which approach that of light are the tools most capable of efficiently performing these functions for the radiologist. Computers are being used for the diagnosis and grading of certain bone tumors (3). Various criteria for diagnosing benign and malignant gastric ulcers (9), carcinoma of the lung (4), and thyroid disease (1) are being continually evaluated and modified by computer-compiled frequency distribution and probability significance tables. Computer retrieval and analysis of electronically scanned roentgenograms are under investigation (7). Dosimetry calculations around implants and in external irradiation fields have been greatly facilitated by computer calculations (5, 6, 8). Computers are being used to process neuroradiologic reports (2). Review of the Problems The delay that commonly occurs in getting the written radiological consultation to the referring physician is mainly due to the mechanism used for generating the reports, namely, disk dictation. Interpreting roentgenograms and transcribing the results onto disks may take hours. Indistinct dictation, the use of unusual words, and damage or loss of the disk necessitate repeated dictation. Secretarial inexperience causes slow, inaccurate typing, requiring careful proofreading by the radiologist and frequent retyping. A further delay occurs in conveying the corrected signed report to the proper hospital ward. These delays are costly and sometimes result in unnecessary repeat roentgen examinations. Another problem is the currently used inadequate system of radiological coding which is not sufficiently complete or accurate. Diagnoses cannot be identified specifically because several different disease entities are grouped under general diagnostic headings. The anatomic site codes are not sufficiently detailed to completely localize a disease process. No uniform provision is made for adding new diagnoses or anatomic sites. In addition, the radiologist must memorize or spend valuable time searching for the appropriate numbers in the diagnostic and anatomic site codes. The storage and subsequent retrieval of radiological information is difficult. Coded information is often stored at weekly or monthly intervals. Finding the coded cases from the storage facility takes days to weeks, and much of the retrieved information is unusable because of inadequacies and inaccuracies in the initial coding process. This seriously hinders efficient radiological research.