Non-Diagnostic Display Size: Effects on Head Rotation and Electronic Medical Record Access
2Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Background: Radiologists use non-diagnostic monitors for worklists, dictation, and electronic medical records (EMR), driving demand for wider displays. Wider displays increase head rotation. Guidelines recommend keeping rotation below 30°, beyond which neck and shoulder discomfort increases.
Purpose: To compare four non-diagnostic display configurations for head-rotation kinematics, workflow, and comfort at the radiology workstation.
Materials and Methods: Five radiologists used workstations with four non-diagnostic monitor configurations in a within-participant crossover design: single 24-inch (control), 27-inch, 34-inch curved ultrawide, and dual side-by-side 22-inch monitors. Diagnostic monitors, PACS, EMR, and dictation software were identical throughout. Each configuration was used for at least 20 minutes of clinical work. Participants then answered four questions displayed at the far edge of the non-diagnostic screen concerning a chest radiograph on the diagnostic display. During this task, head kinematics were recorded with a 6-axis inertial measurement unit fixed to the occiput. Using a Python script, measurements were unwrapped, filtered, and segmented into discrete turns using a velocity threshold (onset ≥15°/s, offset ≤5°/s). Participants completed a 5-point Likert questionnaire after each condition and ranked all four configurations from 1 to 4.
Results: Mean head-turn excursion increased with display width: 28.3° (24-inch control), 36.9° (27-inch, +30%), 48.3° (34-inch, +71%), 65.3° (dual 22-inch, +130%); all participants turned head the most with dual monitors and least with the 24-inch. Mean preference rank was highest for the 27-inch (3.4/4), then the 34-inch (3.0), 24-inch (2.0), and dual 22-inch (1.6). EMR access was rated highest for the 34-inch (4.2/5) and 27-inch (4.0/5), lowest for the 24-inch (1.8/5); neck comfort was highest for the 27-inch (4.8/5), lowest for dual monitors (1.2/5).
Conclusion: Wider non-diagnostic configurations improved perceived ease of EMR access but produced head-turn excursions exceeding the 30° threshold associated with neck discomfort. A single 27-inch display best balanced workflow and ergonomic demands.