Experience-related differences in diagnosis from medical images displayed on monitors

Objective. To compare diagnostic accuracy using conventional versus monitor-displayed medical images in order to determine if years of experience as a board-certified clinician influences diagnostic performance in either modality. Materials and Methods. In separate observer performance studies, six radiologists and six pathologists differing in years of experience viewed clinical images, once in the conventional modality (X-ray film or light microscopy) and once using a monitor display. Readers also were surveyed regarding their experience with digital/video display systems. Results. In both studies, performance was similar for conventional and monitor modalities. For the conventional displays, there was a positive correlation between years of clinical experience and performance. For the monitor displays, however, there was a strong negative correlation between years of clinical experience and performance. Performance using the monitor displays correlated highly with experience using digital/video systems in general. Conclusion. More exposure to and use of monitor displays, such as recreational video games and computers, may influence positively the clinician-monitor display system interaction and improve diagnostic performance.