iPad can boost communication between clinicians, radiologists

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital will show the iPad's potential for enhancing image workflow and communication between physicians and radiologists in hospital settings.

Thanks to its high resolution and wireless connectivity, the iPad's potential extends well beyond image visualization, said presenter Dr. Supriya Gupta. For example, use of the iPad-based RadStream application (Merge Healthcare) can serve as a platform for instant transfer of patient images to a physician's mobile application at the point of care, she said.

In addition, the app can provide real-time communication between the referring physician and radiologist, facilitating urgent finding alerts, patient status updates, and discussion and consultation. The result would be improved utilization of imaging resources and efficient patient management, Gupta said.