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30th
October 2006
Dear Colleagues,
Going Digital
An amazing and exciting change is about to
take place in the radiological world at the SAN. We are going
completely Digital.
We are installing a
PACs (Picture Archiving and Communications) system together with
other digital X-Ray equipment. This is going to be a huge change
within our SAN X-Ray department, but it is also going to affect
everybody within the SAN environment.
X-Ray film will
become a thing of the past and images will be in digital format and
distributed by various digital means.
Let’s start at the
beginning…
Acquiring of the
image is still performed like a standard x-ray, using normal x-ray
techniques, but the image is not “exposed” onto x-ray film but
captured in digital format. The images are stored in the patient’s
unique electronic file on the mainframe - PACS - archive. The
patient’s studies are immediately available to the radiologist for
reporting and also available for viewing across the network, ie in
the doctor’s rooms, wards, ICUs, theatres, high cares,
casualty/trauma etc. Viewing stations will be installed in all these
locations. Reports will also be published electronically – attached
to the imaging study.
All personnel within
the SAN complex will be linked to the PACs archive via the SAN
Network (fixed line). The “backbone” of this network is already in
place and a line to every doctor’s room, ward, theatre, high care,
ICU and casualty/trauma is currently being installed. The placement
of these connection points is important and should be placed where
you use your personal PC – for optimum access and viewing of images.
The SAN hospital management is responsible for the network and the
installation of lines.
Those clinicians
outside of the SAN complex will receive studies on CD or via the
intranet – email. Clinicians within the SAN complex can request
studies on CD.
Well, that doesn’t
sound too difficult or complicated!!! The retrieval and viewing of
imaging studies is speedy and easy. But the implementation and
conversion to the PACS system will require some adjustment and
patience. Any change involves some pain and can be a little scary.
However….we intend
to consult with every person using the SAN Imaging Department. We
will answer all your questions and allay all fears. We will have a
full time IT-PACs administrator at the SAN and he will be available
to assist in training you and your staff to view the digital
studies.
The PACs solution
that we will install is tried and tested, and has a proven track
record in Radiological practices in South Africa. We are planning to
be operational in January 2007. We hope that the installation and
implementation will go smoothly, and request your participation,
cooperation and patience. We are confident that the system will be
of immense benefit to you and your patients.
We will be placing
posters in the wards, ICUs, theatres, trauma, etc., advertising the
intended positions of the viewing stations. Please make a point to
look out for these posters. Your comments on the best positions of
these work stations will be appreciated.
Advantages
Patient turn
around times – We anticipate that turn around times will be
halved, if not less! Once the images are captured the patient can
leave. Repeat images will be reduced. The images are immediately
available on the archive for viewing. There is no need to wait for a
report – these will follow and be attached to the imaging study.
Improved Image
Quality – the digital format will enable us to produce a quality
image every time.
Study
availability – these will ALWAYS be available, ANYWHERE –
ANYTIME.
Accessibility –
Retrievable at any site – rooms, wards, theatres, ICU etc.
Storage of
Studies – 4-5 years of on line rapid access and then other
storage FOR LIFE – no more lost or unavailable studies for
comparison. No need to provide storage for x-ray packets.
Telephone
consultations – We will be able consult telephonically both
having access to the images at the same time.
Home viewing
– in time – password coded access will be provided to allow dial
into the database for home viewing.
Disadvantages
There will naturally
be an adjustment period – switching from x-ray film to
digital images does require an adjustment – but the benefits will
soon be apparent.
Those clinicians who
are a little computer-phobic will need to invest some time in
getting to grips with the viewing program. As mentioned above,
it isn’t difficult and we will provide support.
An up to date
computer – preferably running Windows XP – but definitely
running Windows Explorer 6.0 or above – will be required. We will be
sending out CDs in order for you to assess you computer’s capability
to access and read the images/studies.
Like any computer –
there may be some down time. Power outages are beyond our
control and no images can be acquired anyway during those periods.
However, we are putting measures in place to limit down time. A full
time PACs administrator will be available, and on call, 24/7.
We will be hosting
presentations to demonstrate the system and to answer questions.
Please lookout for notifications as to where and when these will be.
We look forward to seeing you there - please try to attend.
Kind regards
Barry Isaacs & Gavin
Pillay
for Lake, Smit and
Partners Inc.
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