IT Systems Designed to Streamline Radiologists Workflow While Improving Patient Care

New information technology (IT) systems have been designed to help radiology professionals improve patient care, workflow, and cut costs.

Carestream recently developed (Rochester, NY, USA) new capabilities for its Vue picture archiving and communication system (PACS) platform, including its new 64-bit architecture that provides enhanced processing power so that radiologists can manage large imaging data sets and use complex analysis and automatic registration tools to read three-dimensional (3D) imaging studies. A new voice recognition application enables radiologists to insert hyperlinks into the final report that can contain important images and quantitative comparisons such as vessel analysis and measurements to help clinicians in treatment planning. Carestream will present new enhancements for its Vue PACS platform at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), to be held in Chicago (IL, USA), November 30 to December 5, 2014.

Carestream’s new Clinical Data Collaboration platform provides more capabilities than offered by a vendor-neutral archive (VNA). This platform helps provide those responsible for managing, providing, receiving, and reimbursing care with the ability to share and manage clinical data in ways that can help reduce costs and enhance service delivery. It utilizes Carestream’s intelligent VNA to archive and exchange radiology, dermatology, endoscopy, and cardiology files. This new platform also provides access to specialists, enabling tele-consultancy using a zero-footprint viewer that can be embedded into the electronic medical record (EMR).

Moreover, Carestream has developed new enhancements to its imaging systems, which include (1) a new feature for its fully automated Carestream DRX-Evolution DR room that allows operators to manually move the overhead tube with assistance from the system’s motors to help reduce technologist fatigue; and (2) a ceiling-mounted tube option for its DRX-Ascend system to provide versatile positioning for a range of imaging exams.

Software for Carestream’s DRX and computed radiography (CR) systems includes an optional bone suppression tool that can improve visibility of lung nodules and other pathology and the ability to gather radiation dose data using the IHE [Integrating the Health Enterprise] radiation dose monitoring profile from all Carestream DR and CR systems and distribute it to a healthcare provider’s PACS. In addition, Carestream’s imaging software also offers companion images that can enhance visualization of tubes, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, and pneumothorax.

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