Technology and PACS have never stood still, they are constantly evolving, and none more so than at present…
Background
Integrated Care Systems (ICS) are part of a fundamental shift in the way the health and care system are organised across the NHS in England. Following several decades during which the emphasis was on organisational autonomy, competition, and the separation of commissioners and providers, the focus of the ICS is on regional sharing and providing care as close to home as possible.
Collaboration between hospitals and community diagnostic centres (CDCs) provides remote access and services comparable to hospital site capability.
Impact On Imaging
This trend has extended into radiology and the subsequent full spectrum of medical imaging including high-resolution images and video from cardiology, ophthalmology (OCT scanning), medical photography and digital pathology to name a few.
Whereas trust’s imaging and PACS have largely operated in silos and competitivity, through ICSs the focus has changed to integration between organisations and extending into primary care. Hence, a policy shift towards image sharing, cross-site working, and interoperability with primary and community care.
The National Strategy for Imaging Networks published in November 2019 recommended the formation of diagnostic imaging networks (INs) to maximise existing capacity, improve access to specialist opinion and benefit from efficiencies and economies of scale by 2023.
There are now several well-established imaging networks containing multiple independent NHS organisations procuring regional imaging systems, often with significant variances in workflow and operating models that require investment in IT, systems integration and standardisation (e.g. exam codes, primary IDs and scan protocols).
All to facilitate patient movement, interdependency between ICSs, and operating autonomous systems with different PACS and RIS providers. And ultimately to improve health inequality.
The Power Shift
The power is shifting from local to regional decision-making and governance, from on-prem to cloud technology, and from on-site to remote working and single (rad)ology to ‘multi-ology’ systems.
With EPRs advancing on RIS, the big move to web, cloud and AI, and the NHS top 5 priority of preventative screening (and CDCs)—a lot is happening in the world of PACs and medical imaging!
Strategic direction and alignment with national policy are key. Systems that are cloud-native, internet-facing, standards-based, open and interoperable, regional as opposed to per site. To use a car industry analogy—it’s essentially the shift from petrol and diesel to electric in motion.
And in parallel the ‘must have’ latest features; the keyless entry, driver assist, and smartphone integration of the motor world, in the PACS world are PACS-based (and interactive) reporting, AI integration, embedded video chat, mobile (app) access, MDT on demand and ‘muti-ology’ inclusion to name but a few.
Never has it been so important to have a strategic vision and direction with a 5-10 year plan for execution. One wrong decision can end up costing a lot of money and a lifetime of pain and lost productivity.
For A More In-Depth Analysis Check Out Our Latest Related Blogs Here:
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About The Author
Pauric Greenan is an experienced PACS consultant that has been PACS lead on several high-profile PACS projects in both the UK and Ireland. Pauric is internationally available for PACS consulting. Contact him here for more details.
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