Radiology imaging: Why structured reporting is the key to success

What is the real value of standardizing the data format and utilizing structured fields? Prof. Dr. Tobias Heye, Radiologist, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, together with Jonatan Ekström, Global Product Manager for PACS Workflow & Reporting, Sectra, discuss how radiology reports can be transformed into valuable repositories of information that enable researchers and clinicians to mine insights, discover trends, and make evidence-based decisions. Tune in!

• Dr. Tobias Heye, Radiologist, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
• Jonatan Ekström, Global Product Manager, PACS Workflow & Reporting, Sectra

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:38] Tobias discusses challenges in radiology reporting, mentioning variations in conveying information and the need for standardization.
[7:00] Jonatan reflects on historical radiology reports from 1896 and compares them to modern reports, highlighting the persistence of certain communication challenges.
[16:47] Tobias discusses the advantages of standardized language and structured information for physicians to streamline their workflow.
[18:06] The conversation shifts to the benefits of structured reporting, enabling trend analysis and data tracking. Tobias mentions a published paper correlating pneumonia findings with seasonal trends.
[19:07] Jonatan emphasizes the need to expand the bandwidth of radiology reports to avoid losing critical information in the process.
[20:14] The discussion touches on the challenges of adapting structured reporting.
[26:42] Jonatan introduces the concept of a "data race" in healthcare.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Structured reporting proves beneficial in providing relevant information tailored to the needs of referring physicians.
• Stanford uses Sectra PACS as their radiology imaging software, providing radiologists with high-performance capabilities and innovative tools.
• Structured reporting enables data extraction and analysis, revealing insights such as disease trends, workflow improvements, and correlations with other health phenomena like seasonal diseases.
• Structured reporting enhances the workflow of physicians, allowing them to focus more on interpreting images and on the cumbersome task of typing or dictating reports.
• Structured reporting improves feedback loops in healthcare, which enhances collaboration between various medical specialties.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra Website

In a world where remote reading has become the standard practice, how can you enable efficient reading for radiologists? Dr. Gloria Hwang, Clinical Professor of Radiology at Stanford University, shares valuable insights into Stanford’s remote reading program, emphasizing the role of a high-performing PACS and innovative tools in seamlessly connecting radiologists and healthcare professionals, even when miles apart.

• Dr. Gloria Hwang, Clinical Professor of Radiology, Associate Chair, Clinical Operations, Dept. of Radiology, Stanford University
• Petra Granlund, VP of Global Customer Success, Sectra

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:30] Petra shares statistics on remote reading from the Journal of the American College of Radiology
[2:30] Dr. Hwang provides an overview of Stanford’s remote reading program
[5:00] The geographical locations of Stanford’s hospitals and clinics
[7:40] Dr. Hwang describes the performance and connectivity when working remotely
[9:55] How Stanford utilizes Sectra’s chat for asynchronous workflow and other collaborative purposes
[14:17] Stanford and Sectra’s collaboration to develop solutions for peer learning
[18:30] Dr. Hwang discusses the impact of remote reading on work-life balance and productivity

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote reading in radiology, with 91% of organizations enabling it during that period. 
• Stanford uses Sectra PACS as their radiology imaging software, providing radiologists with high performance capabilities and innovative tools.  
• Sectra's chat has become a vital tool for radiologists, facilitating asynchronous workflows and enabling collaboration among team members. 
• Geographical flexibility has allowed some radiologists to work remotely from various locations, improving work-life balance.
• Remote reading is expected to remain a permanent part of radiology workflows, offering flexibility and enhancing the overall well-being for radiologists. 

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra Website

Transitioning from whole slide to digital pathology isn’t just a shift—it’s a true evolution. Derek Holzhauser, CIO, and Zoe Vayanos, Manager of Operations at The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs guide us through the QAP’s transition to digital technology. Get an inside look at their journey, explore the practical impact of this transformation, and learn about the new opportunities it unlocked.

• Derek Holzhauser, CIO, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs
• Zoe Vayanos, Manager of Operations, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs
  
  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:02] Zoe and Derek delve into the QAP's mission and share how they've achieved greater sample consistency using digital pathology
• [10:16] What sets the Sectra platform apart from other options
• [13:34] Current AI initiatives by the QAP, including a comparison of AI scoring with human assessment    
• [19:52] Challenges currently faced by the QAP
• [27:41] Advantages offered by cloud technology in the context of digital pathology
• [32:51] Whether the advantages of transitioning to digital pathology outweigh the associated costs

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The transition from whole slide to digital pathology is a pivotal evolution in the field. 
• Sectra’s digital pathology solution facilitates the expansion of digital imaging across disciplines and reduces reliance on USB devices. 
• The adoption of Sectra’s platform allows for scanner upgrades, resulting in a notable enhancement in image quality.
• The ability to expand their virtual program enables the QAP to extend its services to remote regions, bridging gaps in access to pathologists and ultimately enhancing education and patient care.
• While the cloud offers many benefits for digital pathology, the decision to adopt cloud technology varies for each organization and should be tailored to their unique needs. 

RESOURCE LINKS

Article: Driving the transition to digital pathology (November 2022)

Sectra Website

How can genomics and diagnostic imaging come together to revolutionize integrated diagnostics? Fredrik Lysholm, General Manager of Genomics IT at Sectra, and Dr. Prabhu Arumugam, Director of Clinical Data and Imaging at Genomics England, have the answers. Join them as they explore the transformative possibilities when radiology imaging, digital pathology, and genomics data converge. 

• Fredrik Lysholm, General Manager of Genomics IT, Sectra
• Dr. Prabhu Arumugam, Director of Clinical Data and Imaging, Genomics England

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:54] Fredrik provides information about his education and work experience
• [1:47] Prabs discusses his background and the relationship between Genomics England and Sectra
• [6:03] The reason Sectra established a Genomics IT business unit
• [8:22] The definition of genomics in terms of cancer and diagnostics, as well as clinical and research perspectives
• [14:07] The capabilities of Sectra’s genomics solution
• [17.39] Genomics England’s initiatives and the potential that comes from integrating this data
• [21:27] Integration of genomics within the clinical workflow, and the influence of genetic data utilization on diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes
• [25:26] Sectra Genomics launch and update on the Penn Medicine pilot project
• [27:35] What genomics might look like in ten years and what impact it might have on healthcare
  
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Sectra launched a new Genomics IT business unit dedicated to innovation and product development to help customers in working efficiently in a molecular diagnostic setting.
• Sectra’s genomics solution will bring radiology, digital pathology, and genomic data together on a single platform to take integrated diagnostics to the next level.
• The convergence of data from radiology, digital pathology, and genomic data has the potential to significantly improve patient care and precision medicine.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra Website

In the world of healthcare, security is paramount, and Sectra takes a unique approach to providing customers with a secure SaaS. Douglas Wallgren, Solutions Architect at Sectra, explains how Sectra One Cloud combines Sectra's software and services with Microsoft Azure cloud technology to create a highly secure enterprise imaging service that healthcare organizations can trust.

• Douglas Wallgren, Solutions Architect, Sectra

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:51] Douglas describes his background and his current role as Solutions Architect
• [2:18] The importance of security in the healthcare industry
• [4:26] Douglas explains Sectra One Cloud and why Sectra chose to partner with Microsoft
• [9:55] Douglas talks about Sectra's security framework and the multi-layered approach to delivering a secure cloud service
• [16:52] Sectra’s approach to the Shared Responsibility Model
• [19:07] Douglas emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency when working with customers
• [20:54] Douglas provides advice to healthcare organizations transitioning to enterprise imaging as a service in the cloud

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Due to the sensitivity of patient data, the healthcare industry is a popular target for cybercriminals and cyberattacks. If data is compromised, the consequences can be severe. It is critical to have a secure enterprise imaging service to ensure the safety and security of data.
• Simply having secure software and cloud technology is insufficient to ensure a service's security. To achieve true security, a solid security framework, complete with appropriate policies and procedures, is also required.
• Effective communication and transparency between the healthcare organization and the imaging vendor are critical to avoiding mistakes and ensuring a smooth transition to SaaS in the cloud.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra One Cloud

Transitioning enterprise imaging to the cloud is top of mind in many healthcare organizations. With cloud adoption comes change, but with the right vendor, change also brings opportunity. How do you find the right vendor to trust and partner with? Bill Russell of This Week Health talks with Stacie Barnard of the University of Rochester Medical Center about choosing the right vendor and the importance of internal buy-in. 

• Bill Russell, Managing Editor and Founder, This Week Health
• Stacie Barnard, Director, Enterprise Imaging Informatics & Integrated Clinical Systems, University of Rochester Medical Center

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:08] Stacie explains her role at the University of Rochester, the scope of the medical center, and why the old technology they were using needed to be replaced
• [06:28] Stacie describes the process of selecting a new enterprise imaging vendor and the  “go-live” date
• [10:09] Stacie talks about the importance of redundancy and security when transitioning to the cloud 
• [12:49] Selection of Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution and compliance with the governance process
• [17:47] Stacie explains the approach to making the on-premises-to-cloud transition as smooth as possible for the IT staff and end users
• [20:47] Stacie offers advice to other healthcare organizations looking to move their imaging to the cloud

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• It is easier to convert the users of an old system to new technology when they can see how that technology will positively impact their daily work.
• When moving imaging to the cloud, it is critical to partner with a vendor you can trust, as well as one that is innovative and constantly evolving their offering. 
• Cloud is new to many healthcare organizations. Look for a vendor who has expertise and years of experience delivering software as a service.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra Website

What are the most recent trends in radiology imaging? What impact does AI have on workflow efficiency? Steve Holloway, Company Director & Principal Analyst at Signify Research, Nynke Breimer, Global Product Manager, AI Radiology at Sectra, and Dr. Benjamin Fine, Radiologist and Clinician Scientist at Trillium Health Partners discuss key trends, and the role AI plays in improving clinical workflows. 

• Steve Holloway, Company Director & Principal Analyst, Signify Research
• Nynke Breimer, Global Product Manager, Amplifier Service and Radiology AI, Sectra
• Dr. Benjamin Fine, Radiologist & Clinician Scientist, AI Deployment and Evaluation Lab, Trillium Health Partners

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:18] Experiences with workflow and integration within imaging informatics
• [05:41] What resonates with customers and makes a difference in end-to-end workflow
• [09:11] What is working well with the rollout of AI 
• [15:06] The aspect of governance and challenges of integration
• [19:54] Considerations with the future of AI
• [24:46] Strategies to consider with enterprise imaging and AI

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• It is important that the end users trust what they see or adoption and integration will be difficult. 
• The ability to cross-communicate between departments using AI technology has the potential to enhance collaboration and increase quality of care. 
• Because of their experience with digitization and absorbing data from numerous sources, radiologists' roles are expected to evolve as AI is incorporated in clinical practice.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra website

“Made for you” is at the heart of everything Sectra does, especially when it comes to developing software that improves our customers’ working lives. Traci DeForge hosts a discussion about the importance of customer-centric software development with Sectra's Fredrik Hall, Head of Product Applications, and Olof Göranson, Senior User Experience Designer.

• Traci DeForge, Founder and CEO, Produce Your Podcast
• Fredrik Häll, Head of Product Applications, Sectra
• Olof Göranson, Senior User Experience Designer, Sectra

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:56] Fredrik and Olof give background info on themselves and Sectra
• [02:51] How Sectra defines customer centricity 
• [06:36] Customer engagement drives strategic and long-term improvements
• [11:05] The process for setting priorities and choosing what to focus on
• [14:04] How they measure if they are making an impact
• [18:28] Olof shares a customer story

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Sectra is genuinely focused on its customers. Everyone engages with customers in a personal way and gets feedback to make the products better.
• The numbers and data are important but it’s equally important to do customer visits to experience what drives those numbers.
• Getting feedback and testing while designing is just as important as feedback and checking after the release. With check-ins throughout the process, it can save time and drive the process as needed.

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra website

What is essential to keep up with rising imaging volumes in radiology? Amy Thompson of Signify Research leads a discussion with radiologists from the University of Michigan, the NHS Foundation Trust, and Maastricht University Medical Center about the importance of a tailored radiology solution to avoid bottlenecks throughout the day. 

• Amy Thompson, Senior Market Analyst, Signify Research
• Dr. Jessica Fried, Abdominal Radiologist and Imaging Informaticist, University of Michigan
• Dr. Mark Griffiths, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Dr. Martijn Nobel, Radiologist, Medical Information Officer, Maastricht University Medical Center

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:59] The current state of radiology
• [07:16] How subspecialization has evolved as a result of technological advancement, which has resulted in increased workload
• [12:06] Allocation and workflow orchestration
• [21:32] Sharing information with other interfaces and third-party apps
• [24:00] The impact on software being customized and personalized as opposed to having to adapt
• [27:53] The definition of brilliant workflows for each of the doctors

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The amount of imaging and technology has greatly increased which has upped the workload for radiologists, but the expectation and time requirements have stayed the same.
• AI is both exciting and a little scary to most in the medical imaging field. There is always some concern about whether it will replace radiologists' jobs, but its potential to help is incredible and can maximize productivity.
• Customization on top of standardization is key when creating technology for radiologists. They have different preferences in how they interpret images and how they work best. 

RESOURCE LINKS

Sectra website