ECR 2015 - Mobile IT in Radiology - RC105

A. tablet computers: a technical overview

B. reading DICOM images on the tablet

C. mobile teleradiology: radiological features of the tablet-computer

Mobile devices already are around for quite some time, starting from the PDAs and mobile phones to current smartphones and tablets. These devices are gaining ground in medical application in a variety of applications.

This session covered te application of mobile devices in radiology. The recent devices can be used to view CT and MR and are increasingly integrated into the clinical work, even as a natural extension of the PACS workstation.

BYOD however, requires a high level of security when patient data is involved.

A more technical presentation by dr. Fernandez-Bayo showed that the current tablets are pretty close to the requirements normally placed on radiological reading displays when taking into account the diference in size and reading distance.

Recommendation when using a tablet for image review are a 10 inch diameter, 4:3 ratio and QXGA (3MP) displays. Also, it is recommended to use the highest brightness setting and disable the automatic brightness correction.

Tablets can not replace the workstation but could be used as a valuable extension to the workstation. They can display DICOM data with apps and web applications either from local storage or from a server. Increasing scientific prove is arising in numerous posters and publications that shows that clinical use of DICOM image review on tablets is feasible and reliable.

Social media is gaining interest. However, sharing images of patients is not allowed. Figure one is providing a social media platform for doctors that allows a validated and secure way of discussing cases. Social media is a requirement, not an option but security risks should be acknowledged.