From the Guidelines
A result tracker for ultrasound should be initiated to ensure timely follow-up and management of ultrasound examination results, as recommended by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference 1. The tracker should include patient identification information, date of examination, type of ultrasound performed, preliminary findings, final interpretation status, and follow-up recommendations.
- The tracking system ensures that ultrasound findings are properly documented, reviewed by appropriate healthcare providers, and communicated to patients in a timely manner.
- The tracker helps prevent missed diagnoses by creating accountability for result review and patient notification.
- Healthcare facilities implement these trackers to improve patient safety and care quality by reducing the risk of delayed or missed communications about potentially significant findings.
- The tracking process typically involves administrative staff monitoring the status of results, radiologists providing interpretations, and ordering providers acknowledging receipt of findings and determining next steps in patient care.
- According to the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference 1, the follow-up recommendations for ultrasound results should be based on the clinical characteristics of the patient, such as the presence of deep venous thrombosis or concern for recurrent DVT.
- The American College of Radiology also emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate communication of ultrasound results, particularly in the context of fetal anomaly screening 1.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference 1, which provides specific recommendations for follow-up after initial positive or indeterminate venous ultrasound results.
From the Research
Result Tracker Initiated for Ultrasound
- The initiation of a result tracker for ultrasound implies the need for monitoring and evaluating the performance of ultrasound systems, which is a crucial aspect of quality assurance in medical imaging 2.
- Recent advances in tracking technologies have expanded the applications of tracking systems in ultrasound imaging, including freehand 3D ultrasound imaging, ultrasound image fusion, and ultrasound-guided intervention and treatment 3.
- The use of tracking devices in ultrasound imaging can increase accuracy and intuitiveness, reducing reliance on operator skills and benefiting medical diagnosis and treatment 3.
- However, commercially available tracking systems can be subject to disadvantages such as high costs and time-consuming calibration procedures, highlighting the need for further research and development in this area 3.
- In the context of fetal imaging, ultrasound is the primary modality for assessing fetal anatomy and detecting potential abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts 4 or pelvic cysts 5.
- The integration of data science and machine learning techniques, such as those used in the PULSE project, can transform the process of obstetric ultrasound acquisition and image analysis, providing valuable insights into sonographer behavior and clinical decision-making 6.