Radiology has always been known as a specialty where technological advancements are the norm. Since radiology’s beginning with the first x-ray in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen to today’s advanced 3-D digital mammography, there are plenty of milestones along the way. And while these advancements are a major boost in assisting patients, the industry is moving to a more customer-centric model of delivering care.
The Patient Experience and Finding Improvements
Since the onset of the pandemic, when social distancing became the norm, most patients are reticent to share their space with strangers for any length of time. Patients have always had vulnerabilities that need to be considered, but the pandemic has evolved the approach to catering to various vulnerabilities.
For example, patients want answers about their exams and they want them delivered fast but correctly. It’s a vulnerable position – waiting day after day for the results of an imaging exam – and wondering about the diagnosis. The faster radiologists can complete the exam and get the report out, the better off the patient will be in terms of their anxiety. However, it’s incredibly important that speed doesn’t trump accuracy.
Accelerating diagnoses can occur through improving the way the work flows down the pipeline. This can actually start with the scheduling portion of the process. Utilizing automated tools can take much of the tedium out of the scheduling process while also reducing human error.
Speed and Accuracy Through Technology
Whether it’s enterprise imaging or patient-friendly technology and the utilization of artificial intelligence, there are many technological advancements that have helped shape the future of radiology and more customer-centric care.
An example of technology that conversations have centered on over the last 14-plus months is teleradiology. While technology isn’t new, the pandemic and social distancing guidelines made it a must-have technology for many radiology departments. Given its benefits, it is expected to be a go-to tool for providing better patient care well into the future.
Cloud-Based Assistance
At OffSite Image Management, we’re committed to building solutions for radiology that help our clients reach their goals. From cloud PACS to cutting edge mammography technology, teleradiology to seamless services, such as archiving/storing, interfacing and DICOM routing, we’re supplying radiologists in facilities large and small with first-rate services, either in the cloud or in a hybrid fashion.
Our TeleRAD360 teleradiology solution, which has for years provided more accountability in telehealth assistance, was a key tool for many healthcare providers over the last year. For more information about it and all of our industry-leading solutions, contact us today.
