Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Is new PACS technology on your wish list for RSNA 2013? If so, don't make a move in McCormick Place until you've read our guide to PACS at radiology's biggest show by Michael J. Cannavo, aka the PACSman.
In his latest Straight Talk From the PACSman article, Mr. Cannavo offers 12 tips on how you should go about evaluating PACS technology in Chicago. He bases his advice on years -- even decades -- as a PACS consultant in the radiology industry, including several stints working for PACS vendors themselves.
Mr. Cannavo's first tip is to know your requirements: understand the problems facing your department and how imaging informatics technology can solve them. Then set your priorities and develop a script that should help you make apples-to-apples comparisons between competing products.
If you'd like to hear the rest of his advice, you'll need to click here or visit our RADCast @ RSNA special section at rsna.auntminnie.com.
Early RSNA results
Some early results are coming in from a clinical study to be presented as a poster on Sunday at RSNA 2013.
Researchers from Children's Hospital Los Angeles used MR spectroscopy to find a link between premature birth and developmental issues in the white matter of the brains of newborns.
While some white-matter damage can be visualized on MRI, MR spectroscopy enables the changes to be seen on a microscopic level. Learn more by clicking here, or visit our RADCast @ RSNA at rsna.auntminnie.com.
Multimedia radiology reports
In other news, a new survey indicates that referring physicians strongly prefer radiology reports that include embedded images -- and such multimedia reports might even produce better patient outcomes.
Researchers from Stanford University collected opinions from nearly 150 physicians on their preferences for reports, and almost 90% indicated they would like to have images when viewing a final text-based report. They also agreed with a number of other statements on the importance of images in reports.
The study's findings indicate that radiology remains a vital aspect of the diagnostic experience, and they support ongoing efforts to improve access to medical images through healthcare technology such as electronic medical records. Read more by clicking here, or visit our Healthcare IT Digital Community at healthcareit.auntminnie.com.
Our full coverage of RSNA 2013 starts on Sunday, December 1, so be sure to check back in our RADCast for all the news from Chicago. See you in the Windy City, and have a great Thanksgiving!
