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RANZCR Body Systems Framework of diagnostic imaging examination descriptors
Author(s) -
Pitman Alexander G.,
Penlington Lisa,
Doromal Darren,
Slater Gregory,
Vukolova Natalia
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/1754-9485.12191
Subject(s) - modality (human–computer interaction) , medicine , medical imaging , grid , medical physics , modalities , artificial intelligence , intersection (aeronautics) , radiology , computer science , cartography , social science , geometry , mathematics , sociology , geography
A unified and logical system of descriptors for diagnostic imaging examinations and procedures is a desirable resource for radiology in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand and is needed to support core activities of RANZCR . Existing descriptor systems available in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand (including the M edicare DIST and the ACC S chedule) have significant limitations and are inappropriate for broader clinical application. Methods An anatomically based grid was constructed, with anatomical structures arranged in rows and diagnostic imaging modalities arranged in columns (including nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography). The grid was segregated into five body systems. The cells at the intersection of an anatomical structure row and an imaging modality column were populated with short, formulaic descriptors of the applicable diagnostic imaging examinations. Clinically illogical or physically impossible combinations were ‘greyed out’. Where the same examination applied to different anatomical structures, the descriptor was kept identical for the purposes of streamlining. Results The resulting B ody S ystems F ramework of diagnostic imaging examination descriptors lists all the reasonably common diagnostic imaging examinations currently performed in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand using a unified grid structure allowing navigation by both referrers and radiologists. The F ramework has been placed on the RANZCR website and is available for access free of charge by registered users. Conclusion The B ody S ystems F ramework of diagnostic imaging examination descriptors is a system of descriptors based on relationships between anatomical structures and imaging modalities. The F ramework is now available as a resource and reference point for the radiology profession and to support core C ollege activities.