Expedited communication of CT findings for acute stroke using a HIPAA-compliant messaging system

Background and purpose

Effective communication of radiologic findings is crucial in the acute evaluation of stroke. Conventional methods (CM) of communication can present challenges leading to delays in reporting, ultimately impacting patient outcomes. The goal of this retrospective study was to assess the utility of a HIPAA-compliant messaging system (MS) for expediting communication of CT findings by radiologists to members of the stroke team.

Materials and methods

Multimodal stroke protocol CT examinations performed at a high-volume stroke center between January and December 2019 were identified as part of this IRB-approved retrospective study. Read-back times were determined based on templated documentation within individual radiologic reports. The time interval between identification of findings and notification was calculated for each report, and usage of CM versus MS was documented. In addition, an online voluntary survey was disseminated to staff to assess user satisfaction with the MS.

Results and conclusions

In total, 442 CTs were included, and 126 (29%) documented use of the MS. The MS was associated with significant reductions in median read-back times, both for all reported findings (1.5 versus 16 minutes, p<0.01) and for critical findings (3 versus 15 minutes, p<0.01). The majority of MS users (48/57, 84%) felt that it was an effective method of communication beneficial to patient care. Use of the MS was associated with a significant decrease in read-back times and was well accepted as a mode of communicating CT findings between radiologists and interdisciplinary members of the stroke team.