Radiologic image sharing among U.S. children's hospitals

Abstract

Background: There is no streamlined approach for sharing radiologic images among medical institutions. Common methods to transfer imaging between facilities include electronic image-sharing platforms and physical media, such as compact discs (CDs). The prompt and secure transfer of imaging is vital for patient safety as demand for imaging increases.

Objective: Use a survey-based study to outline the methods and difficulties of image sharing among U.S. children's hospitals.

Materials and methods: A multi-question survey regarding radiologic image sharing was distributed to children's hospital department chairs in the United States in August 2021. Descriptive statistical analyses of the results were performed.

Results: Our results reveal 78% of responding U.S. children's hospitals have an electronic image-sharing platform. Twenty-seven percent of surveyed institutions experience daily difficulties with radiologic image sharing. Most of the difficulties are with CDs (67%) and a lack of interoperability among electronic image-sharing platforms (51%).

Conclusion: Our study identified the various methods used by U.S. children's hospitals for radiologic image sharing and quantified the ongoing challenges with these systems.

Keywords: Children; Children’s hospitals; Image sharing; Interoperability; Picture archiving and communication system; Radiology.