Healthcare organizations are increasingly considering new imaging technologies to serve a rapidly changing healthcare delivery landscape. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for organizations, there are clear strategies that produce tangible results in both workflow efficiency and application rationalization.
For many years healthcare systems have been piling on new imaging technologies to meet the needs of specialty workflows and expanding diagnostic services. Combined with the challenges presented by current vendors who have not modernized their PACS application and workflows through regular upgrades, organizations are challenged with complex imaging ecosystems relying on disjointed workflows. The “Frankenimaging” of these technologies impinges on integration capability, user satisfaction, and patient experience, but it can be rectified.
New enterprise imaging systems come with the promise of improved architectures, technologies, integration, and workflows. Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to continue improving imaging technologies soon, allowing quicker imaging interpretation and enhanced productivity and workflow. In addition, many new imaging systems promise cloud enablement, increasing the complexity of the solution and impacting the potential return on investment (ROI) associated with new investments.
An excellent example of high-demand technologies is breast imaging. Improvements in breast imaging are increasing software complexity while at the same time improving outcomes for specific patient populations. As breast imaging continues to improve and expand, imaging vendors will need a modern architecture, including cloud and regular software upgrades, to take advantage of the potential enhanced clinical outcomes.
The “Frankenimaging” of new imaging technologies impinges on integration capability, user satisfaction, and patient experience, but it can be rectified.
New cardiac and vascular imaging improvements show promise for cardiac outcomes and put a continuing strain on software and specialty systems that integrate with enterprise imaging systems.
New architectures, new systems, and new clinical advancements mean it is time for organizations to evaluate their enterprise imaging capabilities and choose a system that will deliver on future capabilities. A robust yet agile roadmap for these new applications and technologies can help an organization manage stakeholder expectations, patient outcomes, and total expenses regarding enterprise imaging.