Diagnostic Workflow Automation for Radiology Report Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical diagnosis based on images is burdensome for interpreters or observers due to the need for interrupting diagnostic reading to prepare and record reports, which extends the time required for image analysis, especially in systems where many images need to be read quickly.
Innovation Solution
A diagnosis assisting apparatus and program that facilitate medical diagnosis by allowing input and display of judgment results in predetermined steps, acquiring and processing different items of information from images, and displaying judgment histories, thereby reducing the burden on medical professionals by automating and streamlining the diagnostic process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interpreter uses a GUI-based viewer to carry out diagnostic reading, then the image can be displayed and analyzed, but the interpreter must interrupt the diagnostic reading to prepare reports, which extends the time required for image analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diagnostic reading process and report preparation into a single integrated workflow. The judgment result input interface is incorporated within the same viewer environment, allowing the interpreter to input judgment results directly during image analysis without switching to separate report preparation software. This merging eliminates interruptions and extends the useful action time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a structured judgment flowchart that guides the interpreter through predetermined diagnostic steps before final report generation. By preparing the judgment framework in advance through the flowchart, the interpreter can efficiently input results without time-consuming deliberation during the actual image reading process.
2Extent of automation
If the interpreter manually inputs judgment results through separate operating steps, then the judgment can be recorded, but the operating time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The judgment flowchart system provides automated guidance where the interpreter simply needs to input judgment results at predetermined steps rather than manually constructing the entire judgment process. The system automatically tracks and records the judgment history, eliminating the need for complex manual documentation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The judgment process is divided into discrete predetermined steps represented by the flowchart. Each step corresponds to a specific judgment criterion, allowing the interpreter to input results sequentially without overwhelming complexity. This segmentation makes the input process systematic and time-efficient.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interpreter uses separate report viewer or terminal for preparing reports, then the report can be generated, but the diagnostic reading process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the report preparation function into the diagnostic viewing environment. The judgment result input interface operates within the same viewer window, allowing the interpreter to complete both image analysis and report generation in a single continuous process without switching between separate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system allows the interpreter to continuously perform useful actions - viewing images, making judgments, and inputting results - without interruption. The workflow maintains continuous progression through the judgment flowchart, eliminating idle time between diagnostic reading and report preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnosis assisting apparatus for assisting medical diagnosis that is carried out by executing a plurality of judgments relating to a medical abnormality which has appeared on an image in predetermined steps of execution, the apparatus includes a input unit configured to input a judgment result and a display unit configured to sequentially make display for prompting an input of the judgment result, based on the steps of execution and the judgment result inputted by the input unit.