Catering Radiologist Reports to the Reader

Value Proposition

Radiologist reports are often dictated with a specific vocabulary that allows for reproducibility between radiologists and a clear medical description of the findings, as well as the possible diagnostic considerations. However, the language and word choice that may increase transparency between radiologists is not always the same as the language and word choice needed to appropriately communicate the findings to the patient. As electronic charts become increasingly available to patients, the value of the radiologist’s report increases significantly if it is directly understandable by the patient.

Narrative(s)

A middle-aged male patient undergoes multiple imaging scans for work-up of his abnormal lab test results.

Workflow Description

An initial imaging scan is taken (CT cancer staging scans) and sent to PACS. The radiologist accesses the imaging scan and dictates a report in their dictation software. The report is saved within the dictation software and auto-forwarded to PACS as the official report for the imaging scan, and also sent to the AI engine. The AI’s algorithms translate the radiologist’s report into language that is designated as “patient-friendly” and then the translated report is forwarded to the patient’s electronic chart as a second imaging study result available for both the ordering provider and the patient to read.

Inputs

Dictated Report

Dictated Report

Dictated Report

Primary Outputs

Translated Report

• The ability to ensure access for the ordering provider as well as the patient may enhance the value of this application. 

• Every user should also be able to toggle between the original and layperson versions of the report, in order to better understand the significance of findings and diagnoses.