Considerations in moving electronic radiography into routine use

Primary diagnosis plays a central role in the establishment of electronic radiography as a trusted technology. From this technology, other applications in radiology and medicine can easily flow. The fidelity of the electronic presentation of images, the ability of the radiologist to transfer film-based reading skills to a digitally based presentation, and the achievement of improvements in diagnostic efficiency are three important steps to building confidence in electronic methods in radiology. A discussion of these issues is presented as a prelude to the description of a plan for the use of broadband technology and multimedia in electronic radiography, both within and between hospitals