Actionable Incidental Findings on Radiologic Examinations: Existing Challenges for Nurse Navigator Led Tracking Programs and Resolving Capabilities of an Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Solution

Abstract

Patients with radiology reports that contain recommendations unrelated to the study indications are at high risk of being lost to follow-up. Known as actionable incidental findings, attempts to improve patient follow-up adherence through nurse navigator–led tracking programs have faced challenges due to system wide limitations in communication, standardization, scalability, cost, and patient compliance. Leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence, strategic automation of many of the steps associated with incidental finding detection and follow-up management tracking empowers nurse navigators and health systems to address the historical challenges and confidently close the loop on patient follow-up. With improved patient outcomes, the tool is becoming a fundamental component in healthcare delivery so it is imperative that nurse navigators be up to date on the solution capabilities.