More effective analysis within medical imaging using collaboration based on networking structure
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RXEYE AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 9 976 281 |
| Project duration | August 2012 - November 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
Purpose and goal
Diagnostics within medical imaging is facing great challenges today when it comes to resources, especially radiologists and pathologists. Available resources must be used in an optimal manner regardless of organizational affiliation. Within ExDIN, concepts for network collaboration have been tested and evaluated in three areas: 1.A department that has periodic or occasional need for analytical capacity. 2.An expert node that offer their specific skills to caregivers. 3.Cooperation between different specialties in virtual, multidisciplinary teams (MDT-meetings).
Results and expected effects
-A network collaboration in telepathology, where 500 patient cases have been examined. -Virtual collaboration in echocardiography, where 30 patients have been admitted. -An improved MDT process that yields improved quality treatment suggestions for cancer patients. The results show that network collaboration is possible. Expected impact for patients are shorter lead times, lower patient risk and higher quality of diagnosis by accessing the right skills, regardless of where the patient seeks care. In healthcare, savings can be made by improving resource utilization.
Approach and implementation
Based on workflow analysis, benefit calculations and risk analysis virtual work flows have been developed and tested in ExDIN. ExDIN´s approach has allowed the consortium to comprehensively explore how network collaboration between health care providers can be established. We have worked both with prototypes and adaptation of existing functionality. With prototypes, using limited resources, work flows can be quickly changed. Adapting existing functionality provides greater opportunities for tests in the care units which establishes new work flows and provides more feedback