PACS and the Erosion of Professional Relationships

Communication - a lost art?

The field of radiology has benefited greatly from the technological boom that has brought greater precision, efficiency and utilization amid an exponential growth in medical science. The downside is that the same technology that has allowed the field to grow is contributing to an erosion of interpersonal communication and connection with patients and referring physicians. Remote reading has displaced us from the communal reading room, where much interaction and teaching used to take place. The "invisible" radiologist must transcend these barriers in order to preserve and strengthen the role of radiology in medical care. With modest adaptation, radiologists can regain their identity as consultants, where they have the greatest chance to show their value and thwart the drive toward commoditization.

The state of structured reporting: the nuance of standardized language

Radiology reports are the principal form of communication with the referring provider. Unfortunately, they can be a form of communication riddled with errors and inscrutable statements burying the intended meaning, failing to achieve the main task for which it was made: communicating key imaging findings as they pertain to the clinical question being posed. Structured reporting is a multifaceted and modular solution to problematic reports, with variable iterations and benefits. Structured reports have been adapted across departments and even national societies, with standardized format, content and language. Newer developments include contextual reporting and common data elements. Herein, we discuss the various forms and levels of structured reporting and the latest advancements, as well as the general acceptance within radiology. We also discuss some areas for improvement as the practice of structured reporting matures.