The ability to record diagnostic images digitally and upload them to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) has largely been a radiology-oriented system since the technology was formally introduced in the early 1980s. Enterprise imaging is the next evolutionary step in image storage and management. It will take the responsibility for imaging management away from radiology and place it in the hands of the enterprise-wide information technology function. The path to enterprise archiving of images is being paved by vendor-neutral archives (VNAs) that enable easier integration of data from disparate systems throughout the hospital — such as radiology, cardiology, pathology, orthopedics, and obstetrics — and make these data available in one place via the electronic health record. This evolution will have the capability to store and exchange clinical content in DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) and non-DICOM formats. As a result, all clinical data will be available, easily accessible, and useable and not contained in departmental silos but on a monitor from an adjacent control room.
This article is an update of a previous post.
Body plethysmography is a very sensitive lung measurement used to detect lung pathology that might be missed with conventional pulmonary function tests. This method of obtaining the absolute volume of air within one’s lungs may also be used in situations where several repeated trials are required or where the patient is unable to perform the multibreath tests. The technique requires moderately complex coaching and instruction for the patient.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that used sound waves and a computer to create images of soft tissue structures such as muscles, blood vessels, and organs. It is used to diagnose a number of conditions that may not be adequately assessed with other imaging methods such as X-ray, CT, or MRI. GE Healthcare’s new compact Vivid™ ultrasound unit combines advanced imaging power in a rugged, portable, easily-cleanable, and light-weight (less than 10 pounds) unit that can be carried anywhere in the hospital or to an office-based physician practice. It is also capable of 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echo (ICE).
Facilitating observation without compromising patient safety and privacy is a major challenge for hospitals. Curtains are used in many areas — including viewing walls of operating rooms, sliding doors in ICUs, and for windows between patient rooms and corridors — but they can become contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria and are difficult to sterilize. A new technology playing a pivotal role in providing observation without contamination and enhancing patient privacy is liquid crystal privacy glass. This electrically activated, switchable glazing technology instantly changes from transparent to frosted white, creating 100 percent privacy. It can be activated with a power button, remote control, or a smartphone as well as automatically using light and motion sensors. When in the powered state, the panels are clear, allowing full view and daylight to pass through. When unpowered, the view is completely obscured. Privacy glass is well suited to conference rooms, partitions, hospitals, front entrance ways, sidelights, toilet and bathrooms, and windows. It can also be installed alongside existing security glass or fire resistant glass panels to ensure maximum security and patient safety.