Impact of Radiology Information System on CT Scan Reporting Time

The medical sector values time when it determines life in its totality. Any waste of time, especially in critical conditions, compromises patients and puts lives at stake. From a diagnosis and treatment perspective, efficient use of time determines the success of procedures. Whether it be the inclusion of computing technologies or it be the implementation of informatics, the benefits of medical technology have been tremendous to the healthcare sector. This research has looked at the impact of the Radiology Information System (RIS) on CT reporting time in the King Khalid Hospital (KKH) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The approach of the study has been quasi-experimental, using the power calculation of a pair of 381 CT scan reports of 40,000 after which the data was collected and analyzed by using SPSS to deduce the impact that RIS has on CT reporting time. The comparison of CT reporting time is done between two distinct timeframes Pre- and Post-installation of RIS. The patients in the current study were organized into three primary categories: emergency patients, inpatients, and outpatients. The results show that the turnaround time was impacted positively with the incorporation of RIS and related technologies in CT scan patients. The outpatient department saw the most improvement among the three categories indicating the highest average percentage of reduction in Turnaround Time. Thus, it was concluded that the RIS has an overall positive impact on CT reporting time.

Workstation scheme and implementation for a medical imaging information system

Objective To discuss the scheme and implementation of workstation configuration for medical imaging information systems suitable to the practical situation in China. Methods The workstations were logically divided into picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstations and radiology information system (RIS) workstations. The former applied to three kinds of diagnostic practice: the small matrix images, large matrix images and high resolution grayscale display applications. The latter consisted many different models defined by the usage and function processes.Results A dual-screen configuration for image interpretation workstations integrated the image-viewing and reporting procedures physically. Small matrix images as CT or MR were operated on 17 inch (1 inch=2.54 cm) color monitors, while conventional X-ray interpretation was performed on 21 inch color monitors or portrait format grayscale 2 k by 2.5 k monitors. All other RIS workstations not involved in imaging process were set up with a common PC configuration. Conclusion Workstation schemes for medical imaging information systems should satisfy the basic requirements of medical imaging and investment budget.

Multi personal computer storage system: solution of sea capacity PACS storage

Objective According to the characteristics of digital medicine and the demands of digitalized management in hospitals, we established a storage system that is affordable, highly expandable, and reliable. Methods The multi personal computer storage system (MPCSS) was constructed using hardware and software. The image data were archived from major servers to storage personal computers (PCs) by using Neusoft-picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and backed up on storage PCs. We simulated data loss on storage PCs and then restored the data. We also expanded the storage system to enlarge its capacity. Results The average transfer rate from MPCSS was 27.7 MB/s, and the average cost for this system was $74/GB. In the testing stage, only 6 of 187 instances of data retrieval (from 100 patients) failed. Conclusion The MPCSS is much less expensive than other high capacity systems or devices. It is feasible and suitable for digital image storage.

A project plan for construction and cabling of picture archiving and communication system network

Objective To determine a network solution to meet the network requirements of the heavy data flow, load balance, and potential network storms from expansion of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) application.Methods Intel Netstructure 480T Giga Switch was used as the main switch and connected to each building by fiber channel at 1 Giga speed to archive 100 MB/s to each port. At the same time, the in-dependence of the original network construction was physically kept. The layer 3 and 4 switchers were used as load balance to reduce the heavy load of the network, and all the cabling for PACS used the super CAT5 along with the Intel NetStructure 1520 to prepare for potential network storms.Results An advanced intranet was set up to fully meet the high standard requirement of the PACS. The foundation for upgrading the whole network system to 1 Giga application was built to achieve sharing and transmission of images, information, and patient data within the hospital. The base was established for the standardized management of the hospital.Conclusion Good planning is the first step in setting up PACS, and the equipment forms the necessary platform to run PACS and all kinds of hospital information system (HIS). The networking construction is the foundation of e-hospital.