Page 28 - Diagnostic Radiology - Interpreting the Risks Part Two_Neat

SVMIC Diagnostic Radiology: Interpreting the Risks

Automation is at its best when employed upon “textbook”

cases, but it cannot perform tasks that involve perception and
manipulation, creative and social intelligence, and dealing with

emotional situations. While technology-based AI can and will
assist radiologists in the future to a much greater extent than

presently with the goal of reducing errors, ultimately, a human
being will be responsible for the care of the patient. The bottom

line is that the radiologist will still be necessary to operate the AI
and will still be held liable in the event of a medical error.

Final Impressions

• Minimize distractions when reading studies.

• Note all potential limitations or factors that might
compromise sensitivity or specificity of a study or exam.

• Perception and interpretation can improve by availing
yourself of all readily accessible clinical information.

• Seek additional clinical information when presented with
incomplete or questionable studies.

• Look at current studies or films before comparing with

past reports to avoid being led by the prior interpretation.
If prior studies are not available for comparison, be sure to

document your effort to obtain them.

• Document all nonroutine communications including the

time and method of communication and, specifically,
the name of the person to whom the communication

was delivered. Such documentation is best placed in the
radiology report or the patient’s medical record but may be

entered in a department log and/or personally maintained

Page 28