Researchers develop new smartphone app to make radiology consultations more efficient

Consultation services are becoming more and more important in radiology, but organizing an efficient system where someone is always available to answer questions is no easy task. Researchers developed a smartphone-based application that aims to make radiology consultation much simpler, detailing their experience in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

“Being accessible to the clinical team is critical in the modern healthcare environment as imaging techniques and protocols have become more sophisticated,” wrote Michele Retrouvey, MD, department of radiology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, and colleagues. “Determining correct protocol and answering referring clinicians’ questions in a timely manner are essential to every radiology department’s workflow. However, in a world driven by productivity, radiologists must integrate into clinical teams without sacrificing their productivity.”

The team’s application provides residents and attendings with contact information for the entire department, everyone’s schedules, detailed contrast administration guidelines and access to key ordering information. Users can reference the app at any time to ensure they are following the proper protocols, and the app’s information is updated whenever necessary.

“Overall, the integration of the app into the consult service was well received at our multi-institution practice,” the authors wrote, though it took a significant amount of work to get the department to actually try it out. This included e-mail communication, five-minute demonstrations and personal visits to each attending to make sure they were on board and not experience a problem with the app.

Based on a follow-up survey, users appreciated the new software. “Individualized feedback was very positive; multiple comments were made about how much the app improved workflow and how easy it is to use,” the authors wrote. Using a five-point Likert scale, respondents gave it high average scores for being helpful (4.8), intuitive (4.73) and accurate (4.67).

“Quick access to relevant information is essential to our continued efficacy, and apps may be an easy solution to successful implementation of Imaging 3.0 and better patient care,” Retrouvey et al. concluded. “Now that this prototype app has been successful, a more sophisticated platform is being researched to better suit our department’s needs and to continue to offer value through our consultation service.”