Impact of Patient Photos on Detection Accuracy, Decision Confidence and Eye-Tracking Parameters in Chest and Abdomen Images with Tubes and Lines

To minimize errors in imaging studies, a camera system was developed that acquires images of patients simultaneously with radiographic images. Thirty-seven chest/abdomen portable radiographs showing central lines, orogastric/nasogastric/endotracheal tubes with patient photographs were viewed by six radiologists while eye-position was recorded. They indicated whether each line/tube was present/absent and rated confidence. Images were shown in three conditions: radiograph only, small, or large photograph with radiograph. There was greater accuracy in detecting tubes with photographs present and decision confidence was generally higher with the photographs. For the eye-tracking parameters, total viewing time, number of fixations, and number of times observers transferred viewing from radiograph to photograph differed as function of whether a photograph was present or absent as well as photograph size. Adding patient photographs to radiographic interpretation of chest and abdomen films can aid in the detection of tubes/lines. If photograph size is large enough, it takes an average of only 3 extra seconds to view compared to the radiograph alone and adds significant confidence to decisions.