Work with structured fields

Completed

Structured fields are placeholders within an AutoText that allow you to enter or select variable information within standardized report content.

These fields help ensure reports are:

• Consistent in format.
• Complete with required data.
• Easier to review, analyze, and share.

Where structured fields appear

• Within the report content, as part of AutoText
• In the Fields panel in the Report Editor, which lists all editable fields for navigation.

Types of structured fields

Text fields

• Free-text areas where you type or dictate content.
• Often used for findings or narrative details.

Pick List

• Predefined options from which you select one or more values.

Merge fields

• Automatically populated with data from the system, such as patient or procedure data.

Custom fields

• Site-specific fields used to capture required clinical or operational data, such as measurements or scores.
• Might be required before a report can be finalized.

Workflow dependencies

• Some structured fields are required and must be completed before signing or finalizing a report.
• Certain custom fields appear only for specific procedures, based on configuration.
• Merge or custom field values might flow into the report text automatically when part of an AutoText template.

Procedural guidance

Follow these steps to work with structured fields effectively:

1. Locate structured fields in the report.

   • Open the report in the Report Editor.
   • Use the Fields panel or go directly to the report text.

2. Navigate between fields.

   • Move through fields sequentially by using navigation controls, voice commands, or keyboard commands.
   • Focus on one field at a time to avoid missing required entries.

3. Update text fields.

   • Enter or dictate the appropriate content.
   • Replace any placeholder or default text as needed.

4. Select values from Pick List.

   • Open the dropdown or field options.
   • Choose the value that best matches the clinical context.

5. Review merge fields.

   • Verify that automatically populated data is correct.
   • If a value is missing or incorrect, check the associated data source if that source is editable in your workflow.

6. Complete custom fields.

   • Open the Procedure Data or Custom Fields dialog if necessary.
   • Enter or select values for relevant fields.
   • Complete only the fields that apply to the report unless a field is marked as required.

7. Check for required fields and confirm values in the report.

   • Identify required fields in the custom field pop-up box at signing.
   • Ensure all required fields have values before proceeding.
   • Verify that entered or selected values are reflected in the report text where applicable.

Best practices

• Complete structured fields as you edit the report instead of waiting until the end.
• Use fields to maintain consistency instead of manually typing repeated content.
• Review field values for accuracy before finalizing the report.

Applied scenario

You're editing a structured report that includes several fields for findings, measurements, and classification values.

You navigate through the Fields panel and:

• Dictate findings into text fields.
• Select standardized values from Pick List.
• Verify that patient and exam details in merge fields are correct.

Before finishing, you confirm that all required fields are completed so the report can be finalized without delay.