Do interruptions for radiologists cause more call backs?
In a recent abstract at ACR(1) it was found the recall rates are 3.5% to 13.6% worldwide. They analyzed the time from the last breast imaging examination of any type interpreted by the radiologist and categorized the recall rated by time intervals. What they found was that the minutes since the last interpretation increased the recall rates and varied from 8.7% to 13.8%. If the radiologist is interrupted or distracted while reading the recall rate goes up. On average a radiologist gets interrupted five times an hour. Typical interruptions are phone calls, conversing with a colleague, managing several cases at a time which included reviewing additional images from other patients, etc. These interruptions occur in every modality for radiologists including breast imaging. After an interruption it takes some period of time to reconstruct where they were prior to the interruption. In the end it will lead to either more potential for errors to occur or fewer cases being seen by the radiologist.
What can help?
- Better organization: Organizing times for diagnostics, screenings, reviewing other modalities will help by allowing the radiologist to focus on the tasks at hand.
- Removing outside physician phone calls to nurse navigators or other qualified personnel including a back-up radiologist if needed.
- A smart worklist that will identify patients with priority such as urgent cases, cases that need more review and then the screening cases.
How can AI help?
AI is useful in reducing interruptions in many industries and departments such as a human resources department. Human resources spend hours on answering emails, questions on benefits etc. Each topic takes employees off course and away from their more specific jobs. Searching and getting answers to questions is the top time-waster for them. As much as 88 percent(2) of the resumes received for a specific job position are unqualified and job recruiters can spend up to 23 hours on screening for that one position. AI can filter out those resumes that do not meet the job criteria.
In medical imaging we know that AI definitely helps the radiologist with workflow, increases cancer detection and reduces recall rates, however the underlying point here is that AI points out areas of interest to look at again. In mammography the use of MammoScreen® AI allows for disruptions. The areas of concern are highlighted on a separate monitor so returning to where you were prior to the interruption is not an issue. Areas of concern are highlighted and noted with a score.
The use of MammoScreen Score™
MammoScreen® AI-based software works alongside your viewer to provide an expert, confirming look at a mammogram, without disrupting your workflow.
- Designed to enhance workflow, with side-by-side monitor interface
- Dedicated monitor provides at-a-glance decision-making support
- Synchronizes with your worklist with no additional clicks
- Provides an actionable, accurate indication of suspicious cases
AI can accelerate your workload, find more cancers and can certainly alleviate some of the stress of constant interruptions. Book a free, 10-minute demo today.
- www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/NOINDEX/Abstracts/2018/18077_Fleming.pdf#:~:text=However%3A%20perceived%20risks%20of%20mammography%20are%20viewed%20as,Services%20Task%20Force%20and%20the%20American%20Cancer%20Society
- www.recruiter.com/i/ai-brings-fewer-interruptions-and-better-hires-to-recruiting