The turnaround time for radiology reports has been drastically cut from ten days to two. The improvement is possible thanks to a piece of new equipment.

A $20,000 digital dictation and transcription machine recently acquired by the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH), allows radiologists to record their notes digitally instead of by the time consuming method of cassette tapes or writing.

The new system sees radiologists use a digital recorder to download their voiced reports to a main computer. This allows transcribers to type the reports as they come into the computer.

In the past, a system of cassette tapes was used at KEMH.

The drawback here was one of time as the tapes had to either be picked up or delivered to the transcribers.

KEMH has two part-time transcribers, one in Bermuda and one stationed in Calgary, Canada.

The new digital method also allows radiologists to prioritise reports. This allows them to be transcribed, finalized and faxed to doctor?s offices in a matter of hours instead of days.

According to Shelagh Tasker, administrator for radiology at KEMH, the combination of digital dictation and remote transcription benefits patients and physicians, while improving community care ?by drastically reducing the turn around time for radiology reports?.