RSNA: PACS navigation tools need improvement
CHICAGO--Surveys indicate fairly low levels of satisfaction with PACS navigation tools, but multiple existing solutions can improve satisfaction and navigation, and there are several promising developments on the horizon, according to a lecture presented at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting.
Current user interface devices that can improve navigation include the five-button mouse, microphone buttons and ShuttlePro jog-shuttle wheel, said David Weiss, MD, a diagnostic radiologist at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va.
Both the five-button mouse and microphone buttons can be programmed to control PACS and handle up to seven common functions, reducing the number of keystrokes and improving efficiency. ShuttlePro manages up to 15 functions.
Research conducted at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., indicates that the ShuttlePro model is one of the fastest tested devices to optimize image navigation. “Radiologists need not settle for poor navigation tools and should talk to their PACS vendor about interface options and software upgrades,” recommended Weiss.
Weiss also provided an overview of several works in progress that promise to improve navigation in the next three to five years. Multi-touch screens and Nintendo Wii-like devices may offer additional improvements in navigation and ergonomics.
Two final options with the potential to be very useful are voice-controlled PACS and eyegaze targeting to improve mouse pointing, concluded Weiss.
Current user interface devices that can improve navigation include the five-button mouse, microphone buttons and ShuttlePro jog-shuttle wheel, said David Weiss, MD, a diagnostic radiologist at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va.
Both the five-button mouse and microphone buttons can be programmed to control PACS and handle up to seven common functions, reducing the number of keystrokes and improving efficiency. ShuttlePro manages up to 15 functions.
Research conducted at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., indicates that the ShuttlePro model is one of the fastest tested devices to optimize image navigation. “Radiologists need not settle for poor navigation tools and should talk to their PACS vendor about interface options and software upgrades,” recommended Weiss.
Weiss also provided an overview of several works in progress that promise to improve navigation in the next three to five years. Multi-touch screens and Nintendo Wii-like devices may offer additional improvements in navigation and ergonomics.
Two final options with the potential to be very useful are voice-controlled PACS and eyegaze targeting to improve mouse pointing, concluded Weiss.