Dr. Doug W. Morton, a neuroradiologist at Carle Health and Carle Foundation Hospital, is leading the charge in implementing innovative imaging informatics systems to enhance patient care and workflow efficiency. With a background in neurobiology and a passion for leveraging technology to improve clinical outcomes, Dr. Morton is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way medical imaging is utilized in healthcare.
The Challenge:
Carle Health faced a significant challenge in 2018 when they needed to replace their outdated picture archiving and communication system (PACS). With multiple PACS systems from different vendors across their two hospitals, clinicians struggled to access a comprehensive view of patients’ imaging history. Dr. Morton recognized the need for a consolidated repository – a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) – to store all imaging data, including clinical photography, ultrasound images, and digital pathology. The question was how to implement a system that could scale with the organization’s rapid growth.
The Proposal:
After thorough evaluation, Carle Health selected Merge, an enterprise imaging system comprising Merge VNA and Merge Universal Viewer. This system provided a centralized repository for all imaging data, enabling seamless data exchange and efficient image sharing among clinicians and patients. The standard protocols used by Merge, such as DICOM and HL7, facilitated interoperability and supported telemedicine initiatives.
Meeting the Challenge:
By consolidating all imaging data into a single repository, Carle Health streamlined clinical workflows and improved access to patients’ imaging history. The VNA prefetch algorithm enhanced cardiology workflows by pre-fetching images before patient appointments, eliminating delays and improving efficiency. Additionally, the integration of outside imaging studies through the “Holding Pen” process ensured data cleanliness and integration.
Results:
The implementation of the VNA system yielded impressive results for Carle Health. With over 11,000 patients viewing their images through the patient portal each month, the system has significantly enhanced patient engagement and access to their medical records. The scalability of the VNA supported the health system’s growth from three to eight hospitals, without disrupting existing clinical workflows.
Advice for Others:
Dr. Morton emphasizes the importance of engaging physicians from various departments to optimize imaging systems and improve patient care. By understanding clinicians’ needs and feedback, healthcare organizations can tailor their imaging solutions to enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, Dr. Morton highlights the positive impact of providing patients direct access to their imaging results, empowering them to engage in meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers.
In conclusion, Dr. Morton’s innovative approach to enterprise imaging at Carle Health showcases the transformative power of technology in healthcare. By prioritizing clinician engagement, patient access, and workflow efficiency, Carle Health is setting a new standard for imaging informatics in the industry.
