The impact of computerized radiological reporting systems on the radiologist.

Although the advantages of automated reporting systems in diagnostic radiology far outweigh the disadvantages, radiologists have been slow to accept them because of their reluctance to work with the systems, i.e., assume a secretarial function, or to abandon ad lib. dictation. To realize the benefits of automated reporting, it is necessary for the radiologist to change his reporting style from one of "dictating while reading" to one of "reporting" only after searching the films and drawing a conclusion, and to appreciate that in this era of information overload, rapid delivery of a crisp, pertinent summary of his findings to the referring physician maximizes his influence on patient care.