IMAGING Q&A


Systems Integration Enables Enterprise-wide Interoperability


When you look at the evolution of imaging, what do you see as the greatest challenges and


opportunities, now & in the future? Combined, imaging technology and image management have transformed the way care is delivered and, in turn, have paved the way for improved patient outcomes. Complex techno- logical developments such as 4k video, 64-slice CT scanners, intraoperative MRI, augmented reality radiology applications, and augmented reality-assisted surgery are just some of the many examples of such progress. Each advancement requires tremendous computing power and com- plex user interfaces. Applying these functions in real time while caring for patients provides newer challenges. While each new imaging tech- nology works intuitively well as a standalone application, in the complicated ecosystem of surgery and interventional care, they add new layers of complexity and stress for the clinical teams involved. One of the biggest challenges for today, and


tomorrow, is how to integrate these new imag- ing technologies into existing clinical environ- ments so that they co-exist and connect to legacy technologies. Solutions such as systems integration for


the operating room and interventional suite is one method by which healthcare organizations can ensure interoperability between images captured and their storage. Active use of these images during and after procedures is another important benefit.


What is your perspective on the state of true interoperability today, and what are the remaining


barriers? As image and data acquisition technologies advance, it becomes critical to be able to inte- grate a patient’s entire health and care portfolio— images and related data alike. This is imperative for clinical collaboration across an enterprise. That’s why the importance of interoperability between systems must never be underestimated. Currently, for the most part the different


specialties within a diagnostic and treatment environment have unique requirements for cap- turing, reviewing, and interpreting data, even when all the data relates to the same patient. This can pose a hazard in a surgical environment where a complete patient picture is essential. Healthcare today lacks industry-wide adop-


tion of protocols that allow image generating sources to more easily associate with other devices in the total-care ecosystem. To combat


this challenge, healthcare organizations are realizing the importance of partnering with medtech companies that enable true interoper- ability through vendor-neutral systems. True interoperability improves patient out-


comes and clinical performance. What’s more, it sets the stage for the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance workflows both in real- time and post-procedure.


What do current and prospective customers say about the need for


enterprise-wide interoperability? Surgeons regularly express the need to refer- ence previous PACS imaging (MRI, CT, and ultrasound, for example) during a surgical procedure. The ability to access all of the images in one place, and route them to any monitor destination in the OR, is imperative. Previously-collected imaging must supple- ment live endoscopic images captured dur- ing procedures. Many institutions are now taking advan-


tage of VNA and PACS systems for radiology and cardiology. However, the interventional procedural space remains essentially siloed. Whether capturing and viewing imaging at the point of care, pulling prior imaging for comparison, or viewing all data in real-time on a single monitor, surgeons need on-demand access to all DICOM and non-DICOM imag- ing in order to treat the whole patient—in one place at one time. This cannot be accomplished with a PACS alone. It requires partnering with vendors who create vendor-neutral platforms, such as those provided by Fujifilm Systems Integration and Fujifilm TeraMedica. In addition to making pre-op data and imaging actionable during procedures, vendor-neutral platforms also enable access to surgical infor- mation post-procedure for the entire care team.


How do hospitals achieve interoperability when working with so many vendors for their


imaging and data needs? Historically, surgeons and OR managers turned to the suppliers of their minimally invasive devices to address their surgical needs. With increasing frequency they are beginning to realize the growing role of IT departments to help achieve interoperability in surgery suites and ORs. IT professionals understand the shift that is occurring in this space. As a result of that shift, surgeons can now make more informed decisions on behalf of their OR patients.


Devon Bream, MPH, FACHE


Global Vice President Endoscopy


General Manager Systems Integration


FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.


When evaluating technology vendors, health


system decision-makers must view each com- pany in its entirety to fully understand the breadth of their portfolios, as well as their ability and willingness to partner with addi- tional organizations that can offer even more technological and workflow options. “Does this vendor offer imaging modalities?” “How strong are their IT-based solutions?” “Do they have vendor-neutral capabilities to integrate into our existing products?” These are among the questions they should ask before making capital investment decisions. Recognizing all key needs and capabilities,


and then affiliating with the most appropriate partners, is critical to ensuring full interoper- ability across the healthcare enterprise.


Devon brings to Fujifilm more than 25 years experience in medical device and systems inte- gration. As Global VP of Endoscopy Systems Integration, Devon is responsible for establishing and driving our new Global Systems Integration business unit which will link the company’s image generation and image storage technolo- gies. Prior to joining Fujifilm, Devon was the Global Vice President of Systems Integration for Olympus in Japan and has also held senior leadership roles at Karl Storz in Germany and at STERIS Corporation.


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