Background: The quality of workstation displays and viewing conditions affect the diagnostic information visible from digital radiographs.
Materials and methods: The image viewing practice at health centers in Northern Finland were surveyed with a questionnaire filled by 91 physicians. The quality of 23 monitors at ten health centers was measured.
Results: Display performance and viewing conditions were poor. Sixty percent of radiographic exams remained without a statement from a radiologist. Only few physicians assessed the quality of displays.
Conclusions: Health centers should invest into displays of diagnostic quality, consider the viewing conditions and perform systematic quality assurance of medical displays.