Tabular Versus Synoptic Reporting of Prostate Core Needle Biopsies

Abstract

Purpose To compare synoptic versus tabular formats for reporting prostate core needle biopsy results. The format of a report can significantly affect the accuracy, speed, and preference with which a reader can retrieve information. Methods We compared the performance of 20 nonpathologists in the identification of specific information in synoptic and tabular reports using a computerized quiz that measured both accuracy and speed. Results Tabular formatting was significantly more accurate (97% v 93%; P = .001) and faster (mean normalized time, 0.74 + 0.40 v 0.99 + 0.52; P < .001) than synoptic formatting. The improvement in accuracy was a result of questions that involved combining results from two different biopsies (96% v 92%; P = .03). The improvement in speed was observed for both single-value questions (0.77 + 0.41 v 0.87 + 0.39; P = .03) and combination questions (0.73 + 0.40 v 1.05 + 0.56; P < .001). Data extraction from a tabular format into a structured data file using free text extraction on the basis of punctuation was 100% successful. Conclusion Tabular reporting of prostate needle biopsies allows significantly faster and more accurate identification of data by the user, especially when the data involve combining data from several biopsies. The tabular format does not impact the ability to create structured data files.