Flowchart explained:
We tackle the most difficult challenges in the radiology workflow (see figure 1). Case-based key decisions can be made locally or remotely, and key information and training is provided during all steps in the workflow. A such, the quality of the medical service is independent on the local presence of high-end medical expertise.
We tackle the most difficult challenges in the radiology workflow (see figure 1). Case-based key decisions can be made locally or remotely, and key information and training is provided during all steps in the workflow. A such, the quality of the medical service is independent on the local presence of high-end medical expertise.
What is rRis?
Critical patient-related decisions are guided by the Radiomatix radiology information system (rRIS) and can be made locally or by remote experts (see figure 2). The rRIS also provides case-specific information where needed.
Critical patient-related decisions are guided by the Radiomatix radiology information system (rRIS) and can be made locally or by remote experts (see figure 2). The rRIS also provides case-specific information where needed.
Radiomatix has developed a patented central scanning, reporting, training and workflow management optimization system (briefly rRIS), comprising the following functions:
- Radiology information system (RIS), enabling workflow management (from reception to report delivery)
- Tool for case-based conversion of an imaging request into a process identifier instance
- Database of optimal image acquisition and postprocessing protocols for each process identifier instance
- Tool for automated evaluation of adherence to acquisition and postprocessing protocols
- Database of optimal image evaluation checklists for each process identifier instance
- Tool for automated assignment of cases to readers with right credentials and availability
- PACS infrastructure for local readers and teleradiologists
- Diagnostic support system for radiologists linked to elements in the image evaluation checklist
- Tool for time-efficient standardized reporting
- Tool for automated blinded double reading
- Tool for automated calculation of discrepancy ratings per radiologist
- Making available the above mentioned tools for medical workflow optimization in each patient
- Providing information for automated inventory management
- Providing information for automated billing
- Ensuring that the best imaging protocol is used for each individual patient is a key challenge in radiology. Each patient is different in terms of age, gender, medical antecendents and other characteristics, and presents with a specific clinical problem and/or question.
- The selection of the best imaging procedure classically relies on the on-site presence of one or more expert radiologists.
- In the absence of an on-site expert, case-based procedure optimization may require external backup support, which may cause workflow interruption or may be simply unavailable.
- Radiomatix developed patented tools for case-based conversion of an imaging request into a process identifier instance, together with a continuously updated cloud-based database of optimal image acquisition and postprocessing protocols for each process identifier instance.
- As such, Radiomatix developed a unique turnkey solution that enables selection of optimized procedures for image acquisition for each individual patient, without workflow interruption.
- Moreover, patient-specific operating manuals are provided to local technicians, thus virtually eliminating the dependence of exam quality on local expertise, and this for each patient.
- Standardized reporting is emerging as a key element of optimizing radiology’s contribution to patient outcomes and ensuring the value of radiologists’ work*.
- Many studies have shown that standardized reporting leads to reduced variability of care, and is preferred by referring physicians*.
- However, wide scale adoption has not been achieved because of the lack of user-friendly tools for standardized reporting*.
- Radiomatix has developed and patented a unique tool for structured reporting that facilitates the reporting process rather than making it more cumbersome. This tool is one of the key elements of the Radiomatix turnkey solution.
*ESR paper on structured reporting in radiology. Insights Imaging (2018) 9:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0588-8
- Interpretation of radiology studies is becomingly increasingly complicated. With rapid technological evolution, modern imaging machines provide large numbers of images showing exquisite anatomical detail. Optimal image interpretation is based on (1) careful image analysis, (2) evaluation of the specific characteristics, antecedents and symptoms of the patient under study, (3) knowledge of normal and variant anatomy, and (4) knowledge of the imaging correlate of (common and uncommon) diseases potentially explaining the patient’s symptoms. Even for experienced radiologists, this task is becoming increasingly challenging, and point-of-care diagnostic support is often welcomed.
- Radiomatix developed a unique diagnostic support system for radiologists, linked to elements in the image evaluation checklist, making diagnostic support available at the point of care without any workflow interruption.
- Studies have shown that errors in diagnostic radiology occur in 4-30% of cases, depending on the setting*.
- While (evidently) experts make less errors than novices, errors are inherent to the profession of radiology and are related to limitations of human perception and cognition. The phenomenon of radiologist underperception and misperception appears to be an unvarying feature of the extremely complex system in which radiologists operate*.
- Traditional efforts at reducing error rates usually include peer review, which consist of evaluation of the dictation of one professional by another professional. Unfortunately, this process is intrinsically biased and subjective. Differences in opinion between experts are common and attempts to organize peer review in a systematic way may create inter-human tension and may even increase diagnostic uncertainty.
- Radiomatix has developed and patented unique system for fully automated blinded double reading. The system is applicable to all types of imaging studies.
- Application of this tool leads to dramatic improvement of diagnostic quality and is part of the standard Radiomatix turnkey solution.
* Bruno et al. Understanding and Confronting Our Mistakes: The Epidemiology of Error in Radiology and Strategies for Error Reduction. RadioGraphics 2015; 35:1668–1676
How our solutions help:
We tackle the most difficult challenges in the radiology workflow. Case-based key decisions can be made locally or remotely, and key information and training is provided during all steps in the workflow (see figure 3). A such, the quality of the medical service is independent on the local presence of high-end medical expertise.
We tackle the most difficult challenges in the radiology workflow. Case-based key decisions can be made locally or remotely, and key information and training is provided during all steps in the workflow (see figure 3). A such, the quality of the medical service is independent on the local presence of high-end medical expertise.