A radiology mess roils Australia
Migrating patient imaging data from one computer system to another demands attention to detail, as a healthcare system in Australia is learning in the wake of a mislabeling error affecting several hundred thousand medical images.
As a result of the debacle, wrists are marked as feet, brains are called chests and so on, according to The Advertiser newspaper.
The outlet has obtained documents from an inquiry launched last September by the Aussie government. It also quotes a memo stating there is a possible clinical risk due to the errors.
“The inaccurate imaging historical record introduces a clinical risk as the reporting radiologist relies on the study description being correct to guide accessing previous comparison studies,” the memo reads. “If the study description is not accurate, a previous study available for comparison is likely not to be accessed. This could result in harm to the patient through inaccurate diagnosis and/or unnecessary medical imaging studies.”
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.