Increased productivity of a digital imaging system: one hospital's experience.

During peak hours of operation, it was not uncommon for the radiology department at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas, to have a backlog of six to ten patients. While some of this was due to competing schedules from the emergency department (ED) and inpatients, the major problem was an inefficient workflow, especially for emergency department patients. Our staff in the radiology department worked with the hospital management to include plans for a new radiology room in an ED renovation project. In designing the new radiology room the most important issues under consideration were the physical location of the room and the type of radiography system to be installed. With plans to implement PACS, we evaluated computed radiography and digital radiography options. At St. Luke's, we had had our first experience with digital radiography after the purchase of a dedicated digital chest system. As a beta test site for the manufacturer, we had an opportunity to test--what was at the time--a new digital radiography system. The powerful impact of digital radiography became most evident by the decreased patient backlog. Even without PACS, workflow became dramatically more efficient. Images now are available for review within seconds after exposure, since there are no films to process. This has reduced our average exam time from ten minutes to one and a half minutes, not including patient transport time. The efficiency demonstrated with the digital chest system provided evidence that digital systems could handle significantly more patients than computed radiography or screen-film systems, without a compromise in image quality. Therefore, we decided to put a digital radiography system in the new ED radiology room. We estimate that the new unit will pay for itself in less than three years.     

CR/DR systems: what each technology offers today; what is expected for the future

Computed radiography (CR) is considered by some to be the work-horse for digital image capture of general radiography exams because it is affordable, offers excellent image quality and exposure latitude and utilizes existing x-ray systems. CR systems deliver digital imaging to general radiology departments and lower-volume areas that can include hospital floors and outpatient imaging centers. Digital radiography (DR) technology is more expensive, but some believe it earns its keep with significant productivity gains and the capacity for higher image quality or lower dose. DR systems are especially appropriate for emergency room settings and high-volume areas in general radiology departments, orthopedic clinics, imaging centers and other facilities. Facilities with growing patient volumes and limited space often choose to install DR systems in one or 2 exam rooms to double the productivity of those rooms, while one or more CR systems serve the remaining rooms or remote areas. Patients benefit from both faster image capture (it takes less time for each imaging exam) and hospitals achieve a digital distribution process that speeds delivery of radiology reports to referring physicians and a more efficient imaging workflow that can lead to increased revenues.     

A tale of two CRs: hospital conducts side-by-side test

While we elected to install a digital radiography system in the busiest exam room in emergency room (ER) suite at our 535-bed hospital, we selected computed radiography as the primary platform for digital capture throughout the facility because of its flexibility, productivity and cost-effectiveness. We now use CR systems to handle six exam rooms and portable exams conducted by the radiology department, as well as imaging studies conducted in two ER exam rooms. Before committing to a CR vendor, we conducted an eight-week, side-by-side pilot study with two vendors' systems. One CR system was located in the emergency room and the other unit was located in the main radiology department. Our staff received education and training from both vendors. I led an evaluation team that included representatives from the radiology group, the information services (IS) department, biomedical engineering, staff physicians, ER physicians, pulmonologists and orthopedic specialists. Our team met to design the trial and develop a list of factors that technologists would use to evaluate the two systems. The team met after installation and again after the trial was complete to provide verbal input on each vendor for each category and to review feedback from the technologists' survey. Categories included image quality, interactions with each vendor's sales and service staff, workflow, time studies, durability of cassettes and plates, entry of John Doe patients for ER, and other factors. After the trial, we chose a system by unanimous vote. We learned a lot about CR technology throughout this process. Overall we are extremely satisfied with the platform we selected and with this method of evaluating the two systems prior to making this important decision.     

A new approach to RIS/DR interconnection.

The article focuses on a new, standards-based approach for linking modalities to a radiology information system (RIS) in the radiology department. Computers have been used in radiology for quite some time-for the complex processing of algorithms used by CT and MR, for example. The advent of computed radiography (CR) and direct radiography (DR) has helped bring x-ray film into the world of computers. DR uses a technology similar to that in digital cameras to convert the intensity and location of the diagnostic image into digital form. Many radiology departments now store images on disks and read from computer monitors in a reading room. With its high-volume radiology department, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) has been a long-time user of one particular RIS system. As the department moved to DR implementation, it required a means to automatically include patient demographic information with the image at the time of study acquisition, so this information would be associated with the image throughout its history. Using an approach developed by several companies in connection with CCF, technologists now use only two interfaces on one computer screen. Further, a technologist can close the study from the DR unit, allowing more time for patient care. The collaborative effort between CCF and the companies involved has resulted in an exciting standards-based approach to linking its RIS and DR systems.     

A time-motion study of digital radiography at implementation

With increasing budgetary restraints on the health system, it is apparent that the main contribution that radiology departments can make to significant cost reduction in hospitals is to decrease the length of time between requesting an X-ray examination and receiving the report (and images). Digital radiography (DR) was introduced into the Radiology Department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital as a pilot project to research the cost-benefits and efficiency of the system, and to determine future directions for planning a digital department. The business plan developed prior to implementation of this pilot project predicted a saving of one bed-day per inpatient when a fully digital department with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is installed. This initial study comparing DR and conventional radiography (convR) provides baseline data and shows encouraging results for more rapid transmission of reports to clinicians.     

通过工作列表实现数字化网络各系统之间患者信息的一致性

目的 实现图像存储与传输系统(picture archiving and communication system，PACS)、放射学信息系统(radiology information systems，RIS)、影像设备之间患者检查信息的一致性。方法 我院引进GE Signa 1．5T磁共振、数字乳腺，Agfa数字X线摄影、计算机X线摄影及GE CT等数字化医学设备。GE PACS是英文系统，所以前期医院在未解决信息一致性时只通过PACS对检查影像进行保存，通过PACS系统中简单的信息管理工作，并没有真正意义上的worklist。2个月后，我院采用国际上先进的解决方法即通过医学数字成像及通讯(digital imaging and communication in medicine，DICOM)标准的工作列表(worklist)的方法实现信息的一致性。在RIS系统中将患者中文信息转换为英文信息，保存并为worklist提供患者的英文信息。结果 我院在集成PACS和RIS的2年多时间以来，通过worklist来保证RIS与影像设备患者检查信息的一致性，取得了非常好的效果。在所有诊断工作站上，诊断医生通过中文RIS系统，对病人的信息进行编辑、修改、产生。结论 通过worklist实现PACS、RIS、影像设备之间患者检查信息的一致性是可行的。     

Development of an electronic radiologist's office in a private institute.

A computer system that improves the quality, user-friendliness, accessibility, and management of radiology data (images, reports, databases, knowledge) was implemented at a private institute. A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was integrated with the radiology information system (RIS). Two servers and 12 personal computers form the integrated system. The first server is dedicated to management and archiving of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images. The second server is dedicated to management of the RIS and archiving of patient data (Structured Query Language database), reports (hypertext markup language [HTML]), and images in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format (mini-PACS). There are three main client-server networks: a common network of imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasonography, digital radiography) and two fast Ethernet networks (the PACS network and the RIS network). The RIS-PACS is linked remotely with other workstations and servers via Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Images and reports can be distributed to referring physicians in the form of multimedia HTML and JPEG documents, which can also be used for quick and easy archiving, distribution, and reviewing within the institute. However, referring physicians have been reluctant to use electronic reports and images.     

The challenge of PACS in a small hospital

Memorial Hospital is located in-North Conway, New Hampshire. Year round, the 35-bed hospital serves mainly tourists and retirees to the area. The imaging department wanted to integrate its services within an existing community network, meet the needs of a transient population and resolve staff utilization and storage problems. Conversion from film to digital in the radiology department took advantage of digital x-ray and PACS. Since the hospital was already using digital technology for CT, MR, ultrasound and fluoroscopy, it made sense to include plain film imaging in the digitization process Memorial Hospital faced a number of challenges. Those in decision-making positions lacked a general knowledge about PACS, and, in particular, about PACS in similarly sized facilities. The hospital also lacked experience working with vendors. A timeline was critical as Memorial Hospital prepared for winter, its busiest season. The facility decided on a phased-in project with no immediate HIS/RIS interface, and computerized radiography with hard-copy films was implemented immediately. The facility has made the transition from a conventional imaging department to a PACS environment. It attributes its success to the way it involved those who would be affected by any future changes in the planning and decision-making processes. Memorial Hospital expects to expand its services and streamline its archival capabilities in the near future.     

PACS/RIS系统在放射科工作流程优化中的作用

目的:探讨应用医学影像存档与通信系统(picture archiving and communication system,PACS)在医院放射科工作流程优化中的作用。方法:将放射科数字成像设备纳入PACS系统,将传统放射科工作流程与应用PACS后工作流程比较。结果:应用PACS工作流程后减少工作步骤,缩短报告发出时间,降低错误率。结论:应用PACS后明显提高了放射科的工作效率,方便了医疗、教学、科研和会诊,提高了医院的社会效益和经济效益。     

PACS sans RIS

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation (SGMF) is a multi-specialty physician practice located in Modesto, CA, and is an affiliate of Sutter Health. In May 2003, SGMF embarked on the journey to install a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) in the main facility. Unique to the project was bringing the PACS live sans (from the French "without") a radiology information system (RIS) and having the PACS driven by an electronic medical record (EMR). Other challenges were present in terms of interfaces for the dictation system, delivering images to the providers on their desktop, and mimicking the referring providers workflow as much as possible in the digital environment to which they were accustomed in the "paper and film" environment.     

Learn from experience: insights of 200+ PACS customers

This article is based on a PACS study published in June 2001 by KLAS Enterprises. The study offers unique insight into the performance, underlying technology, product depth and breadth, and "real world" issues facing 10 of the leading PACS vendors and their clients as rated at more than 200 of their client sites by CIOs, department directors and vendor executives. The driving force behind this report reflects the heightened interest in PACS systems in general and PACS' contributions to the benefits associated with an electronic medical record. This research was sponsored by 10 healthcare provider organizations (not vendors), ranging from a 150-bed acute-care hospital to a seven-hospital IDN. Most of the data in the report focuses on the use of PACS in the radiology department, since comparatively few sites are using PACS systems in other departments, such as cardiology or pathology. The participating vendors supplied their customer lists, which contributed to the majority of clients surveyed. Clients surveyed in the study vary widely in size, ranging from 50 to 2,000 beds, with about 46 percent of those surveyed having a hospital size of more than 400 beds. The customers represent a broad cross-section of PACS clients, ranging from 10 percent to 95 percent filmless, with large-scale users making up the majority of respondents. Each of the customers were asked to numerically rate their vendor on 28 aspects of performance, as well as to answer 12 questions relating to customer satisfaction. Based on study results, success with PACS can be distilled into some basic principles. There are other issues that will help with a successful PACS selection and implementation, but the following list should help anyone get started. If you are able to focus on and accomplish these few things, you stand a better chance of building and meeting your business case. Pre-sell your PACS concept to the radiologists, technicians, IS/IT staff supporting it and to the referring physicians. Make your system user-friendly. Select a vendor that has a history of partnering with their clients. Find a vendor and system that you can afford and that provides enterprise-wide distribution and access to images. Move quickly from printed film to digital images. Know yourself. Know your goals, Do your homework. Ask for help.     

PACS系统的应用体会

目的：介绍我院影像医学存档与通讯系统（ＰＡＣＳ）应用的经验。材料与方法：将所有Ｂ超、ＣＴ、Ｘ线机和一台ＩＢＭ服务器、四台奔腾Ⅱ档次的工作站及惠普光盘塔连接成医学数字影像传输（ＤＩＣＯＭ）网络;ＤＩＣＯＭ服务器与各种图像浏览终端羞以太网络;通过ＨＵＢ连接成ＰＡＣＳ系统。结果：将常规放射图像的模拟信号通过数字转换器转换为数字信号后,与ＣＴ等数字成像系统的数字信号一并输入光盘塔,并进行诊断。将数字图像和诊断报告一起舆到医院各个图像浏览终端,使其可通过ＷＥＢ界面系统及咨询平台进行查询。ＰＡＣＳ投入使用２年来,效果良好。结论：ＰＡＣＳ的应用明显提高了放射科及相关科室的工作效率,方便了工作、教学、科研和会诊。     

Improving medical imaging report turnaround times: the role of technolgy

At Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), the medical imaging department and the radiologists expressed a strong desire to improve workflow. The improved workflow was a major motivating factor toward implementing a new RIS and speech recognition technology. The need to monitor workflow in a real-time fashion and to evaluate productivity and resources necessitated that a new solution be found. A decision was made to roll out both the new RIS product and speech recognition to maximize the resources to interface and implement the new solution. Prior to implementation of the new RIS, the medical imaging department operated in a conventional electronic-order-entry to paper request manner. The paper request followed the study through exam completion to the radiologist. SOMC entered into a contract with its PACS vendor to participate in beta testing and clinical trials for a new RIS product for the US market. Backup plans were created in the event the product failed to function as planned--either during the beta testing period or during clinical trails. The last piece of the technology puzzle to improve report turnaround time was voice recognition technology. Speech recognition enhanced the RIS technology as soon as it was implemented. The results show that the project has been a success. The new RIS, combined with speech recognition and the PACS, makes for a very effective solution to patient, exam, and results management in the medical imaging department.     

DR胸部X线摄影技术在临床的应用

目的评价直接数字X线摄影系统在胸部疾病诊断与筛查中的实用意义。方法自2005年9月以来,应用西门子FX直接数字X线摄影系统对我院门诊、急诊、住院患者及来院体检者进行了胸部检查。DR影像经激光打印机打印后,以数字化形式传入我院PACS供实时共享。DR影像显示病变的能力与常规X线平片进行了比较。结果自2005年9月应用西门子FX直接数字X线摄影系统以来,基本满足了我院门诊、急诊、住院患者胸部疾病诊断和来院体检者胸部疾病筛查的实际需要。与常规X线平片比较,DR影像能更清晰、准确地显示病灶。结论DR是诊断和筛查胸部疾病的重要影像技术,尤其与PACS联合应用是医院数字化管理的重要标志。     

HIS/RIS/PACS integration: getting to the gold standard

The technology for acquiring, storing, retrieving, displaying, and distributing images has advanced dramatically in recent years. The push is toward enterprise-wide image management solutions, where digital images from radiology, cardiology, and other "ologies" are seamlessly linked with information from clinical information systems and other databases, and they are accessed seamlessly from a single point of end-user interaction. The "gold standard" of system integration would provide the platform for improved workflow, patient throughput and patient safety, as well as decreased cost. Unfortunately, the gold standard remains elusive in most healthcare environments, even those with new systems. One of the earliest issues that plagued the progress of hospital information system/radiology information systems/picture archiving and communication systems (HIS/RIS/PACS) integration was a matter of language between Health Level-7 (HL7) and DICOM. This barrier was solved by the broker--a software and hardware device that accepts HL7 messages from the RIS then translates, or maps, the data to produce DICOM messages for transmission to the PACS. Technologist workflow requires patient and exam information from the RIS to flow to the modality. The broker provides support for this by taking advantage of the DICOM Modality Worklist (DMWL). Two primary problems are inherent in most brokered configurations. Workflow is driven by paper, and RIS information flows in 1 direction only, which leads to duplicative databases. Overcoming the limitations of HIS/RIS/PACS connectivity requires industry accepted communication protocols/rules. To facilitate this, the Integrating the Health Care Enterprise (IHE) initiative was developed. The goal of IHE is to provide end-users improved access to critical patient and clinical information across all systems within the healthcare delivery network. While the IHE initiative began to facilitate more efficient, predictable, and functional integration between disparate systems, vendors still had technology hurdles to overcome. System integration continues to be significantly hampered, not by technology limitations, but instead by business and political issues. In response to these challenges, several vendors have begun to offer consolidated RIS/PACS solutions and/or HIS/RIS/PACS solutions. Consequently, the prospect of the gold standard appears to be on the horizon. Single vendor consolidated systems are not, however, feasible for deployment in many healthcare organizations, and they are not necessarily the panacea.     

小型医学影像存储与传输系统的临床应用

目的 探索小型医学图像存档与通讯系统(minimizing picture archiving and communication system，mini—PACS)在实际工作中的应用，逐步实现科室内的无胶片化管理。方法 建立基于PC机的局域网，连接CT、MR、数字胃肠机、DSA、激光相机等医学影像设备，整合数字图像网络(digital imaging network，DIN)和医学图像诊断系统(medical diagnostic imaging system，MDIS)，组成放射科信息管理系统(radiology information system，RIS)。RIS系统通过其中1台安装双网卡的PC工作站与医院信息系统(hospital information system，HIS)相连。结果 系统在2年多的时间内得到连续使用，放射科信息管理系统得以实现和完善。在现有的数字化影像设备上实现了符合医学数字图像传输标准3．0(digital imaging communication in medicine，DICOM3．0)格式的图像采集、储存、传输、打印、浏览功能。图像和诊断报告信息通过Microsoft Access数据库管理，不同设备上保存的在线图像为3～6个月，所有图像用CD—R光盘刻录，作为离线永久保存，已有32700多份诊断报告存入数据库；HIS终端可有限制地从该系统获得图像和诊断信息。结论 mini—PACS系统投入和运行成本低、维护简单、性能可靠，可基本实现PACS的重要功能，在中、小医院具有良好的应用前景。