Requirements analysis for pediatric ICU softcopy display

To make the transition from film to CRT viewing of radiologic images, it is necessary to fully understand what the viewer requires in order to make a confident diagnostic decision. As a preliminary step to installing an image display workstation in our neonatal (NICU) and pediatric (PICU) ICU areas, a requirements analysis was conducted. Interviews were conducted to determine what would be desired in a display workstation, and detailed observations were made of daily procedures in the pediatric and neonatal ICUs. Portable diagnostics (i.e., CR images) constitute the greatest number of images taken. Very few images from other modalities are taken on a regular basis, although traditional film images are taken somewhat frequently. The data indicate that the majority of PICU and NICU images which are of concern to the attending ICU clinicians (i.e., CR) would be available directly for softcopy display on a workstation. A workstation in the radiology reading room would, however, require access to all possible types of images.