Development of a DICOM Image-Based Informatics Tool for Ultrasound Quality Control at an Academic Medical Center – A Proof-of-Concept Study
ePoster
Authors: Kevin Brom, Mayo Clinic Scott Stekel, Mayo Clinic Donald Tradup, Mayo Clinic Rochester MN Zaiyang Long, Mayo Clinic Jaydev Dave, Mayo Clinic ,
This study develops the framework for a near real-time informatics tool to potentially be incorporated into our clinical practice. For this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility of such an application in our MSK imaging practice. We explored whether such a tool can be leveraged to help guide clinical exam improvements from both an image quality and productivity viewpoint. By utilizing data derived from the DICOM header elements from a large volume of images we were able to calculate typical exam duration by exam type and per-image acquisition time, determine how often each transducer is utilized and identify the distribution of image acquisition parameters such as frequency and depth for every probe/preset combination. Utilization of this informatics tool was initially piloted in our MSK practice and has sparked significant interest across the ultrasound practice. As such, we intend to expand the tools capabilities both within MSK as well as into other ultrasound subspecialties.