There are many reasons why so many radiology departments have taken on a VNA (vendor neutral archive) solution implementation project. Because most PACS store images in a DICOM format, of which there are numerous syntaxes, it can be beneficial to have something that assists the management of these different image types. That’s where a VNA solution comes into play.
Why Use VNA?
A VNA solution can deconstruct images and reconstruct them quickly in a format that best suits the needs of the person who requires fast access. This is of great value to radiologists and other healthcare professionals working with electronic health records and for those struggling to comply with HL7 standards.
When you partner with a vendor that offers quality VNA solutions, you also get security features that keep your data safe, as well as disaster recovery tools.
Implementing Without Headaches
Any large project has its own challenges, and implementing a VNA solution is no different. However, following these steps, you can avoid many of the pain points most often associated with getting your VNA up and running.
- What do you use your images for most often? For many radiologists, it’s to make diagnoses. Other non-radiology professionals might use images as a reference while they’re in surgery. The uses can differ wildly depending on the department you’re in, so once you identify the intent of the images you work with, you can better implement a VNA solution that fits your needs.
- Knowing exactly where to look for images can be a pain point for many, especially as we move more toward object-based storage. Be sure to use URL (unique record located), which can help you pinpoint what you’re looking for without all the hassle.
- Get a clear picture in regard to your database capabilities and make sure you know what type of queries you’ll make. Will you be making complex queries about images or just the usual patient-study-series-image queries? Knowing this in advance can help you get the type of VNA that has the advanced algorithms for making more complex queries.
Your VNA provider should work closely with you on the implementation process to ensure you get a custom fit.
At OffSite Image Management, we’re committed to ensuring our customers get what they need, which means we will work with you to get your VNA solution implemented the way that makes the most sense for your operation. Contact us and find out why our industry-leading VNA solution is so highly regarded.