[The digital patient journey : Performing radiological examinations].

BACKGROUND

The rising demand for imaging studies, increasing diagnostic complexity, and limited personnel resources are organizational challenges for radiology departments. Efficient management of the examination process is essential to ensure timely and high-quality patient care. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems have the potential to optimize imaging workflows within the examination room.

OBJECTIVES

To present digital processes used during radiological examinations and to assess their implications for radiology workflow, personnel structure, and patient care.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Current scientific publications and reviews on digital workflows, automated planning, deep learning reconstruction, real-time quality control, and remote scanning concepts in radiological image acquisition were summarized and systematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Digital systems enable increased patient comfort, standardized protocol initialization, automated slice planning, deep learning reconstruction, and quality monitoring during image acquisition. These approaches may improve efficiency, and robustness of examinations while reducing the need for repeat scans. Remote scanning provides opportunities for cross-site support and expertise sharing.

CONCLUSION

The digital transformation of radiological examination workflows represents a key lever for optimizing clinical processes. Digital and AI-based approaches may enhance efficiency and patient-centered care, but require thorough validation, interoperability, and responsible integration into existing healthcare structures.