Visual protocol collection for the enhancement of the radiological diagnostic process

The observation phase of a research project that is designed to explore the nature of visual radiological diagnosis is described. The phase is concerned with the collection and analysis of visual protocol data in order to determine the salient image features that may impact on the different stages of the diagnostic process, both perceptual and cognitive. The observational phase includes both a reading room component, whereby the regular activities and behaviours of radiologists were observed on a daily basis, and a transitional component, during which selected subjects were observed performing radiological diagnosis on cases presented both on film and on a computer screen. The results of the transitional component have been tabulated and analyzed according to features, timing, and performance. No significant problems were encountered during the transition from film to CRT