DATA MANAGEMENT FOR CR/DR

COMPUTER NETWORK

two or more objects sharing resources and information, or computers, terminals, and servers that are interconnected by communication channels sharing data and program resources.

NETWORK CLASSIFICATION (Geographical)

Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN) Definition

a small area net worked with a series of cables or wireless access points that allow computers to share information and devices on the same network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

a network that spans a large area: city, state, nation, continent, or the world. Several connecting LAN can create it.

NETWORK CLASSIFICATION (Component Role)

Peer-to-Peer Network, Client/Server Based

Peer-to-Peer Network Description

each computer on the network is considered equal

Client/Server Based Network

a centralized computer (the server) that controls the operations, files, and sometimes the programs of the computers (the clients) attached to the network. The server provides a location for centralized storage and retrieval on the network.

Radiology Department Network Type

Client/Server Based, usually in a star network topology utilizing the PACS system

Archive

a place where records or documents are stored.

Electronic Archive

In PACs it serves as the new file room and warehouse for all digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) imaging modalities

Storage Systems Classification

Short-term storage, Long-term storage, Optical disks, Tapes and magnetic disks

Hospital Information System (HIS)

comprehensive information technology frameworks used in medical organizations to manage various administrative and clinical functions (patient administration, care management, financial accounting, and resource allocation).

HIS

encompasses both online and offline activities, facilitating tasks such as patient profile management, billing, and reporting. It connects seamlessly to the RIS to insert data for any patients that go through the hospitals database

HIS Holds

EMR (Electronic Medical Record) which contains all of the patient's records, including lab results, radiology reports, pathology results, and nurses and doctors' notes.

Radiology Information System (RIS)

software for patient management in radiology, complementary to PACS.

RIS Main Function

Mainly deals with schedules, protocol descriptors, diagnostic conclusions, and billing in the radiology department.

PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)

Deals strictly with image manipulation and document storage.

PACS Full Implementation Benefit

allows not only the acquisition but also the interpretation and storage of each medical image in digital form without resorting to hard copy (film).

PACS Four Principal Components

image acquisition system, the display system, the network, and the storage system.

PACS Workflow Order Entry

: The technologist uses a requisition to verify the patient and take their history before entering the order.

PACS Workflow RIS-PACS Communication

: The RIS sends the order to PACS, which automatically retrieves the patient's prior images.

PACS Workflow Patient Prep

: The technologist prepares the room, brings the patient in, and records the patient's history.

PACS Workflow Imaging

: The technologist performs and processes the exam, sends images to PACS, and provides digital copies if needed.

PACS Workflow Radiologist Review

: The radiologist accesses the images-along with prior exams to interpret the study.

PACS Workflow Report Creation

: The radiologist dictates or uses voice recognition to finalize the diagnostic report.

PACS Feature (Primary Focus)

Medical image storage and retrieval

PACS Feature (Managed Data)

Images (eg., X-rays, CT scans)

PACS Feature (Core Users)

Radiologists and Radtech

PACS Feature (Integration)

RIS, HIS

RIS Feature (Primary Focus)

Radiology workflow management

RIS Feature (Managed Data)

Radiology data (eg., reports, schedules)

RIS Feature (Core Users)

Radiologists and administration

RIS Feature (Integration)

PACS, HIS

HIS Feature (Primary Focus)

Overall hospital information management

HIS Feature (Managed Data)

General patient data (e.g., demographics, billing)

HIS Feature (Core Users)

Hospital-wide staff

HIS Feature (Integration)

RIS, PACS

Teleradiology

The process of remote transmission and viewing of medical images. This allows also the ability for image interpretation remotely, even intercontinentally.

DICOM

digital imaging and communications in medicine.

DICOM Definition

a global information technology standard that allows network communication between a modality and a PACS.

DICOM Developers

American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST RESPONSIBILITIES TO DATA MANAGEMENT

able to use the equipment's properly. Including the various imaging modalities, at the same time managing the PACS/RIS electronic data and images.

EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR HIS/RIS DOWN

Traditional paper-based system for study ordering can be done.

EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN WHEN PACS IS DOWN (1)

inform the different departments regarding the failure, and promptly notify them that only urgent studies should be requested.

EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN WHEN PACS IS DOWN (2)

Laser Printers should be rerouted to be connected directly to the CR/DR modalities.

EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN WHEN PACS IS DOWN (3)

Acquired images can be viewed directly on the display device of the CR/DR modalities.

EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN WHEN PACS IS UP

radiologic technologist must ensure that all images acquired must be uploaded towards the PACS server