Using an Existing DICOM Infrastructure to Enhance the Availability, Quality, and Efficiency of Imaging Throughout the Healthcare Enterprise

Managing the capture, label, and storage of medical imaging performed by nonradiology departments at the point of care has become a core issue for many health systems. In contrast to the well-organized and controlled workflows enjoyed by radiology, nonradiology imaging and its associated workflows are often chaotic. Left on their own, many nonradiology departments simply fend for themselves, finding ways to capture and store their imaging that meets the critical need, while falling far short of the ideal. The focus of this study was to build and implement a software solution for nonradiology image management for a large, multi-specialty health system. Once developed, the solution was deployed and results were collected from users via survey and by comparison of available pre- and post-implementation statistics. The results show high rates of satisfaction among users, evidence of cost savings from decommissioning redundant systems, staff time savings, and fewer storage failures.