Radiologist survey shows age-related preferences in workstation setup
“The more monitors, the better” might be the order of the day if younger radiologists had their druthers on workstation design, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Digital Imaging.
Arjun Sharma, MD, of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois and colleagues found as much when they surveyed the membership of the Association of University Radiologists in February 2015.
A total of 336 radiologists responded, representing a cross-section similar to that described in a recent ACR workforce survey, the authors report.
The responses showed a close split in the number of radiologists using one or two non-diagnostic monitors—46 percent vs. 51 percent, respectively—while a strong majority, 75 percent, use two diagnostic monitors.
Users of two non-diagnostic monitors were more likely to keep open the case info (87 percent vs. 68 percent) and EMR (84 percent vs 68 percent).
In addition, the authors found that more senior radiologists tended to find their current setup user-friendly more frequently than did younger radiologists, while the latter were more likely to believe additional monitors would help.
“Although many radiologists are comfortable with their computing workflows, a significant number indicate dissatisfaction and may be interested in being able to specify the amount of monitor space with which they can work,” write Sharma et al. “Additional monitors may promote improved quality in addition to any potential productivity gains.”
Sharma’s co-authors are Kenneth Wang, MD, PhD, and Eliot Siegel, MD, both of the University of Maryland.
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.