Primer explains exactly what informaticians do

Informatics expert Dr. Barton F. Branstetter IV of the University of Pittsburgh offers a primer on imaging informatics to radiologists who are unaware of what radiologist-informaticians do and how it affects the practice of medicine (Radiology 2007 Apr 12; Epub ahead of print).

"Informatics has become critical as radiology has progressed to a digital environment, and the implications are felt not just daily but constantly within the reading room", Branstetter said.

To use PACS more effectively, radiologists must understand the technology underlying the digital environment because these principles affect major purchasing decisions, not only about PACS but also supporting software and modalities themselves, he said.

The American Board of Radiology has reacted to the importance of imaging informatics by considering the inclusion of informatics questions in its written exam.