From being a radiologist to watching a radiologist: impact of filmless operation on the training of radiology residents.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors performed this study to investigate the impact of changing from a film-based image interpretation system to one using digital image workstations on the training of radiology residents in the interpretation of radiographs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected during a period when a conventional system of image interpretation with hard-copy images and multiviewers was used and during a period when digital image workstations were used. During each period, it was noted whether the first interpretation of the radiographs was performed by a radiology resident, by an attending radiologist, or as a group effort including both an attending radiologist and a radiology resident(s). In addition, it was noted whether a radiology resident or an attending radiologist dictated the report.

RESULTS

The proportion of images first interpreted by the radiology resident alone decreased from 38% (53 of 139) when using the conventional system to 17% (34 of 199) after the switch to interpreting images on the workstations (P = .001). During the film-based period, radiology residents dictated 45% of reports (141 of 312), but during the workstation period, radiology residents dictated only 4% of reports (24 of 667; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The authors observed a decrease in autonomous participation by radiology residents in image interpretation and dictation of reports and an increase in "group reading" after the switch from a film-based system to a workstation system.