Our society has invested much in imaging technology and our physicians who interpret images. Radiologists now read more studies containing more images and using new display technologies with an increasing number of computer-based tools and decision aids, thus placing greater demands on their time and expertise.
Our Imaging Implementation faculty are pursuing the goals of improving and understanding the image interpretation process using advanced eye-tracking and related technologies; assessing the impact of the increased amount and diverse nature of information accompanying images on the diagnostic process; understanding and improving the methods used to train future radiologists; and utilizing human factors methods to optimize the reading environment. Our faculty are internationally recognized as leaders in medical image perception research and human factors assessment.
As healthcare costs and access expand as topics of national debate, increased attention has focused on medical imaging as an area of variable but perceived high spending and utilization. Our faculty at Emory are recognized nationally as leaders in policy-focused imaging health services research and have published extensively on topics related to imaging utilization, payment systems, disparities, and, increasingly, outcomes. Most of that work involves partnerships with individuals and teams from other disciplines (e.g., healthcare economics) and from other institutions (particularly the Neiman Health Policy Institute). A variety of efforts are currently underway to expand this important area of implementation and health services research by seeking expanded partnerships, recruiting new faculty, pursuing new funding sources, and expanding our current research data and analytic infrastructure.