Dear Imaging Informatics Insider,
Enterprise imaging can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to bringing nonradiology images into the fold. But it can be done by taking advantage of existing technology infrastructure, according to a presentation at last week's annual meeting of the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM).
Researchers from a Wisconsin health system shared how they developed a separate ordering application for nonradiology images that accounts for varying workflows and leverages current DICOM tools and systems already in place. The effort is projected to yield annual savings of more than $125,000. How did they do it? Get all of the details in this edition's Insider Exclusive, which you can access before our regular members.
In the wake of the WannaCry ransomware attack and other ongoing online security threats, healthcare institutions are understandably placing renewed emphasis on cybersecurity. Imaging vendors may not be prepared, though, to accept cybersecurity provisions in new contracts for PACS and imaging devices. The resulting negotiation delays can add months to the purchasing process, according to another talk at SIIM 2017. Click here to learn more.
Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at SIIM 2017 in both the scientific presentations and the exhibit hall. There was no shortage of research demonstrating the potential for AI algorithms in a variety of clinical applications, and many vendors came to Pittsburgh ready to showcase AI software or highlight how it fits into their product road maps. Several AI start-ups were also on hand to introduce themselves to the imaging informatics community.
If you haven't already, check out our recently launched Artificial Intelligence Community for articles from SIIM 2017 on how AI is poised to enhance all aspects of radiology. Another presentation reported, for example, how deep learning can also help assess breast density.
Stay tuned for more coverage from the meeting.
In other recent news, you can learn how several imaging companies reacted to the WannaCry threat in the U.S. We also reported on how the massive cyberattack crippled many National Health Service (NHS) facilities in England and Scotland.
Cloud-based archiving can go a long way toward curing security headaches at many institutions, according to a contributed article by Ed Marshall from Ambra Health.
Also, radiologists can easily learn to make radiology reports simpler and easier to understand for patients, according to a recent study from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH. How did they do it? Click here to get all of the details.
Is there a story you'd like to see covered in the Imaging Informatics Community? As always, please feel free to drop me a line.
