Digital Imaging, Archiving, and Structured Reporting in Pediatric Echocardiography: Impact on Laboratory Efficiency and Physician Communication

DSR is a superior technology for pediatric echocardiography reporting and an important next step to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Although congenital heart disease increases DSR study report time, the value of digitally scripted, database-compatible, complete segmental analysis of the heart and vascular structures with direct transfer of quantitative data from the ultrasound machine to the report without the need for a transcription interface justifies the time expense. DSR should be a goal for all pediatric echocardiography laboratories to decrease consumer wait time, increase laboratory efficiency, and improve compliance with Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories standards.