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Studies have shown that implementation of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), electronic health records (EHR) and digital imaging shorten turnaround times and increase medical imaging department volume without a subsequent staffing increase.36 Although use of information technology can help prevent errors and adverse events and help providers track events that occur,37 the advantages afforded by technology have changed workflow and workplace dynamics in radiology. Technologists no longer enter reading areas to hang radiographs for physicians and potentially discuss technical aspects of the studies in real time. Radiologic technologists often must rely on interpretation of infrequent notes from radiologists, input from their managers or their own initiative for education regarding image quality and exposure improvement.
Technology Gaps
The importance of information technology to health care cannot be overlooked. Congress appropriated more than $20 billion for health information technology within a 2009 economic stimulus package, and electronic health records are a national priority. Medical imaging depends entirely on technology, perhaps more than any medical specialty. The technological convergence of clinical equipment and computers has occurred rapidly and become ubiquitous in all medical imaging modalities. The advances have occurred so rapidly that many clinicians in the workplace still are uncomfortable with computers. A lack of computer literacy affects perceptions of self-efficacy and expectations of outcome regarding use of or training in new technologies involving health information technology. When a learner believes that he or she can execute the necessary skill or behavior, outcomes from the learning experience generally are better. Technologists are among health care workers who might lack computer skills. Naturally, computer literacy and comfort levels vary. Because skills and comfort levels can vary greatly, there can be wide gaps in the levels of ease technologists have on the job with computer-based job functions. Further, the disparate knowledge complicates education in new technologies and equipment. Applications trainers need to focus on specific equipment functions and features, and should be able to assume that all trainees begin with basic computer skills. Some of the differences in comfort with technology could be attributed to generation gaps. The Pew Research Center has shown that only 76 percent of those from the older baby boom generation (born between 1946 and 1954) are online, but 95 percent of people from the millennial generation (born between 1977 and 1992) say that they are active online. In a recent study of technology ownership, those aged 19 to 29 owned more cell phones and laptop computers than people from any other age group. People aged 50 and older consistently owned the fewest cell phones, desktop and laptop computers, e-readers and tablets than those younger than aged 50.
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