At RSNA, Philips announced that it is partnering with the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) on a first-of-kind closed loop imaging research trial. The purpose of the ongoing trial is to take a holistic view of radiology workflow and integrate information systems together with imaging systems to remove inefficiency at all points within the imaging loop. The so-called “imaging loop” clock starts when the physician decides to order an imaging exam and ends when the results of the test are communicated to the doctor and eventually the patient.
Led by Paul J. Chang, M.D., medical director, Enterprise Imaging for University of Chicago Hospitals, UCMC has initiated this iterative study with the goal of reducing errors and improving quality of care and patient outcomes. Together with Philips, UCMC is integrating the technologies used throughout the radiology suite so they “talk” to each other across a smart, automated and open platform, seeking to streamline imaging procedure steps to save minutes, not seconds, during the entire imaging loop. Helping to improve efficiency of radiology workflow may help UCMC reduce patient waiting time, repeat scans and the time needed for appointments.
“To stay relevant in healthcare, we simply can’t keep using the same workflow model,” said Dr. Chang. “Radiologists need to provide the highest quality diagnostic results to the patient’s physician while obtaining the best images on the first scan, every time, without compromising patient care. This requires an orchestrated workflow that can only be achieved if all systems used in the imaging loop are integrated and provide an interface allowing information to flow seamlessly from one step to the next, minimizing inefficient and potentially distracting busy work for the radiologists and technicians.”
+ Read about Closed Loop Imaging & iSite PACS at RSNA 2008
| Benefits of Collaboration Working to add true value to patient care by a collaboration with Philips through continuous and unified architecture that interoperates. +  Watch the video |
 | Staying Relevant to Patient Care Adding true value by radiology to the management of patients by staying relevant to patient care. + Watch the video |
+ Read the interview with Dr. Chang on ONTOnline.