SPRUS : a knowledge based understanding system for radiology text

A computerized data acquisition tool, SPRUS (Special Purpose Radiology Understanding System), has been implemented as a module in the HELP Hospital Information System. The tool uses semantic information from a diagnostic expert system to parse free text radiology reports and extract coded findings that are stored in the patient data base. A unique feature of SPRUS is the ability to recognize ambiguous (missing) information and perform resolution based upon the context of the report and the underlying knowledge base. Initial test have shown overall True Positive Rates ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 with Bad Data Rates from 0.046 to 0.06. For diagnostic results, SPRUS shows True Positive Rates from .947 to .986 and Bad Data Rates from 0.04 to 0.06. Errors (both missed and bad) have been categorized and are discussed with examples in terms of management and future project considerations. In summary, SPRUS has prototype of understand knowledge based understanding of radiology reports within the HELP Radiology Subsystem.