RADIOLOGY
on strategic work. This includes moving more diagnostic specialities into the PACS, bringing in artificial intelligence and a more flexible approach to responding to clinical needs and service improvement strategies. The team are now better equipped to deal with routine problems like data errors and have even been able to commence a project in resolving legacy errors not easily visible in previous solutions. The team have been able to significantly enhance the data integrity of the system; eliminating duplication and reducing misfiled studies, with a big focus on a rapid response to errors and education of users (while cases are still fresh in their minds). “We are adding more power to the
solution,” he continued. “We want to bring in tools that add value, where the radiologists no longer waste time with things like measurements, which are just done by the system. “Radiologists come back from conferences with ideas about how we can move forward – and we can accommodate them. We used to have to say ‘no’, now we can say ‘yes’ which is not only better for the service, but has really improved what we take away from the role personally.”
Partnership Dr. Grima said this willingness to do things
extends to the Trust’s relationship with the technology provider. “Sometimes a CT scan might supersede an x-ray,” he explained. “We wanted something in the PACS that identifies when this happens, so that our reporters can report on what is actually going to add value to the patient’s care and save a lot of time.” Within weeks of describing the idea to Sectra, the company started working on a solution. “Talking directly with the technical person helps,” added Dr. Grima. “If we identify an area that can be developed, they take it on board.”
Improving working lives and the next generation of radiologists Implementing the PACS has improved working lives in many ways. Radiologists now have the ability to work from home, and they are connected across multiple sites through a single PACS.
Whether an image is captured at the hospital in Stoke, in the community, or at UHNM’s County Hospital in Stafford, it can be quickly accessed and interrogated by professionals regardless of their location. Chat functionality, which operates in a similar way to consumer instant messaging, is also allowing staff to access second opinions from colleagues who could be located miles away, very quickly.
Radiologists are also saving time in preparation for MDT meetings, adding in reports and images to lists within a few clicks.
Julia Astbury, a reporting radiographer who has seen a progression from working with film, through to a range of different PACS, commented: “It’s easier to use than other systems. It’s easy to negotiate and access a history of images, and connects me to colleagues across different sites.” The future generation of radiologists is also realising benefits. Dr. Shaun Neal, a trainee radiologist, said: “If it wasn’t for the speed the of the system, we wouldn’t be able to keep up with demand. The chat function is also invaluable. If you have any questions you can send a link to the image you are looking at to a consultant who can check it. This works really well for junior trainees.”
Staff are also using the system to equip
future radiologists through teaching. Dr. Zafar Hashim, a consultant neuro-radiologist at the Trust, commented: “I’ve used several PACS and Sectra allows me to create teaching files and anonymise images very easily. We use Sectra workstations for our courses and I can build teaching files when I’m sitting at home. We no longer need to download images and place them on a separate computer for teaching.”.
CSJ
LEON MRI Anaesthesia Workstation For use in cardiac cath labs or MRI
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ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ
MRI-compatible touchscreen technology for use with 1.5T & 3T MRI Systems with integrated magnetic field strength monitor verifying the position in relation to the MRI
Central brake to lock all four wheels Optional: Integrated CO2 and anaesthesia gas gauge
Optional: Second screen, outside of the MRI range, via a fibre-optic cable Optional: Neonatal mode VTG - 3 ml VTG
Optional: RS232 data interface via a fibre-optic cable
Löwenstein Medical UK Ltd, 1 E-Centre, Easthampstead Road, Bracknell RG12 1NF t: 01344 830023 e:
info@loewensteinmedical.co.uk w:
loewensteinmedical.co.uk
MAY 2021
WWW.CLINICALSERVICESJOURNAL.COM l
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