Decision support systems increase diagnostic accuracy

The new study reveals that radiologists can now improve their diagnostic accuracy by making use of decision support systems. The information provided by these systems help in ascertaining the cause of the disease more precisely. The only major drawback of the system is the necessity to log out of PACS. This may not be appreciated by radiologists who haven’t got much time to spare. PACS has proved to be an effective tool that helps radiologists make quick and correct diagnosis. The new decision support system is a few notches higher in accuracy. The study also showed that best results and use were found when both the parameters were used in conjunction. The study was conducted by Dr. Matthew B. Morgan.

Study details

For the study, forty eight radiologists were considered. They were divided into two groups and each group was allotted a specific method of conducting tests and interpreting results. While one group was assigned clinical decision support system, the other was allotted the same system but from within the environment of PACS. In other words, while one groups worked exclusively with decision support system, the other group used a combination of both PACS and decision support system.

Study duration

The study was conducted over a period of ten months. After five months of study, the groups were exchanged. The group that dealt with PACS was assigned decision support systems and vice versa. The group working with decision support system was the control group and the other was the experimental group.

Results of the study

After a period of ten months, the work performed by either group was compared with each other for accuracy. It was found that the control group lagged behind the experimental team by a 3 factor. In the last half period of the test, after the teams were switched, it was found that the use of the support system reduced by 52%. When the control group was provided with the integrated format, the use increased by 20%.

Integrated support encourages maximum use of the support system

As per the results of the survey, the team concluded that radiologists used the support system best when they were integrated with each other. The control group is given access to the decision support system through the web browser logged into the system three times less than the experimental team that was provided with an integrated model. After the teams were exchanges, the fact remained that integrated system was better used by the respective team.