2023 ARRS ANNUAL MEETING - ABSTRACTS

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E2262. How to be a Faster Neuroradiologist While Maintaining High Accuracy
Authors
  1. Victor Becerra; Yale University School of Medicine
  2. Long Tu; Yale University School of Medicine
  3. Emily Hoang; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Yale University School of Medicine
  4. Balaji Rao; Yale University School of Medicine
  5. Julian Sison; Yale University School of Medicine
  6. Mehmet Adin; Yale University School of Medicine
Background
Throughout the radiological subspecialties there has been significant advances involving the many attributes of imaging studies, whether pertaining to imaging safety, complexity, or in the creation of more sophisticated imaging techniques using already available or new technologies. Neuroradiology, although not unique among other subspecialties, has a significant portion of studies read by radiologists who read at lower volumes which may be due to the aforementioned advances. In this educational exhibit, we present pertinent strategies most relevant for neuroradiology fellows and attending neuroradiologists for maximizing speed/efficiency of their imaging interpretations without compromising the accuracy or thoroughness of reporting.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
We will briefly discuss various strategies and workflow-related modifications to assist in expediting visual analysis of studies specific to neuroradiology. Strategies include alterations to search patterns/PACS functionality as well as the use of available shortcuts in dictation software, all while fully acknowledging the practical limitations of a radiologist in assessing the complete anatomy within any given study. We will focus our efforts primarily on ways to maximize the speed of dictation for the highest volume (highest time commitment).

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
For all commonly encountered CT (head, neck, spine) and MRI (brain, spine) studies, we present macro-based improvements in dictation, with the goal of minimizing the need to free dictate or modify default macros. Pick-lists built into examination-specific templates are demonstrated for most/all common abnormal or normal-variant findings. Common abnormal pathologies and incident findings, with pick-lists for follow-up recommendations, are also shown. We discuss strategies for maximizing the efficiency and the clinical relevance of free dictation where required. We present illustrative examples of efficient versus inefficient examination reporting.

Conclusion
Although many radiologists traditionally gain their dictation skills through an apprenticeship-like environment throughout residency and fellowship, strategies for overcoming study volumes vary widely and depend greatly on geography, population characteristics, and the technical environment the radiologist may find themselves in. As more specialized and complex studies continue to develop, the need for better dissemination of dictation stratagems becomes increasingly apparent for meeting the ever-demanding expectations as a neuroradiologist. Methods for dissemination may include rich-text-format files for all discussed strategies provided by hyperlink as a free online resource for trainees/neuroradiologists. Additionally, as formal education in dictation efficiency inevitably develops, methods for evaluating efficiency can be considered.