Improving Image, Data Access Via Web-based Cardiac PACS

 

The trend in Web-based software started in radiology picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), but has expanded to cardiovascular information systems (CVIS — or cardiac PACS). Web-based software has several advantages over traditional thick-client, server-based systems. These include:

 

• Access to the system from any computer or mobile device with Web access.

 

• Eliminates the need for hard drives on each computer to have copies of the software, since software exists in a central, Web-accessible server.

 

• Easier to maintain, since software upgrades are performed on the central server, eliminating the need to load new software on every computer that serves as a cardiology workstation.

 

• Enables easier external links to data and images outside of a cardiology department, and allows links to the information in a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR), or remote access for referring physicians, external offices or clinics, or health information exchanges with other hospitals.

 

• Allows physicians to access data, images, waveforms and reports remotely from their workstations for better efficiency.

 

• Can enable new ways to work, allowing reports to be completed between patient visits or procedures, regardless of where a physician is located. It also enables use of a tablet device in place of a clipboard or need to log into computer terminals during rounds.

 

• Web-based systems help unify several disparate software systems into a unified CVIS with one login point of entry.

 

 

“For the first time our cardiovascular department can seamlessly consult a patient’s medical history alongside images generated within cardiology and radiology to get a complete, real-time picture of the person’s condition,” said Marcia Frye, director of cardiovascular services, SRMC. “Though less than a year since going live, we are already realizing significant improvements in clinician workflow efficiency, standardized reporting and overall patient care management; all of which we anticipate will translate into a cost savings of $700,000 over the next five years.”

 

Frye said the system also reduced IT support needed for regular software upgrades. “The benefit of a Web-based system is to make it more available to users, reduce the compatibility issues, and not have to load software on each individual computer,” she said.

 

It also enables access to the system from anywhere using mobile devices. “The physicians really like the ability to access the system anywhere using a mobile device,” said Melissa Bergmann, cardiac business support analyst, SRMC. “We now have a couple doctors using tablets for most of their duties instead of a workstation.”

 

 

“It’s definitely better for accessibility,” said Brandi McLean, Web administrator IT, SRMC. “If physicians want to see images offsite, you don’t have to worry about burning CDs. It really helps with sharing images.”

 

 

To expand access to data and images and improve workflow, the cardiology department deployed GE Healthcare’s Web-based Centricity Cardio Enterprise CVIS.

 

Due to its Web-based nature, deployment went smoothly. “We didn’t even require an IT staffer to install the application on physicians’ computers,” said Connie Ryan, clinical resource manager for cardiovascular services, OSUMC. “It saved us a great deal of IT time, and like any other hospital, we only have a finite amount of resources, so that was a great benefit.”

 

She said the greatest benefit is easier access to images for physicians. They no longer need to be in the cardiology department to view images. “Centricity Cardio Enterprise has made it much easier for physicians to get access to images, improved our efficiency and workflow, reduced the time it takes per procedure by 15 to 20 minutes, and has enhanced the cardiac care we offer,” Ryan explained.

 

The ability to view images from anywhere with an Internet connection has helped physicians provide more timely help.

 

“A lot of times our cardiologists are not the attending physicians, and so they’re being asked by another physician for a consultation and to discuss their findings,” Ryan said. “Before, that was much more difficult to do, because the doctor would have had to come to the department, which was not always possible.