Computer glitch causes radiology department nightmare

Thousands of ultrasound reports have been affected by a glitch in an automatic computer system feed meant to send the reports to physicians at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. The system was accidentally disabled in February 2017.

John Mawson, MD, head of the radiology department, excused himself from his regular radiology tasks last month to participate in the “incredibly labor intensive” retrospective review of 4,000 paper and electronic medical files to ensure that all physicians received their patients’ radiology reports.

As of now, “a few dozen children” are undergoing further checks to ensure their physicians received abnormal ultrasound imaging results. Upon a completed investigation, there will be a quality assurance review to better understand how the glitch occurred and preventing it from happening again.

To read the Vancouver Sun story, click the link below.

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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.

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