The latest capabilities of the Diagnostic OS

Most medical interactions begin with an image. According to studies, 60% of patients decide whether they will return to a healthcare institution based on how they receive their results. However, current medical portals are complex and difficult to use, putting patients' health at risk by making it harder to access their information.

Now, that has changed. The days when medical portals could overlook the patient are a thing of the past: Eden Portal has arrived to completely transform the healthcare experience across LATAM. 

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Give your patients back the power over their health

Eden Portal is designed to give patients back the power over their health. Its intuitive platform makes it easy to navigate between medical reports, radiological images, and their complete medical record. This way, patients don't have to struggle to make sense of their medical information: it's all right in the palm of their hand.

Eden Portal isn't just the most intuitive results experience: it's also the most advanced. With the first DICOM viewer designed 100% for mobile devices, Eden Portal allows hundreds of high-resolution images to be viewed in seconds, even from a smartphone on 3G. This completely redefines the healthcare process, putting the tools patients need to understand and take care of their well-being within reach.

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Clinical records anywhere, anytime

With Eden Portal, patients no longer have to search through hundreds of misplaced documents every time they see a new doctor. Now, they can instantly access their entire radiology and medical imaging history, anytime, anywhere. 

The system automatically organizes the history by referring physician, study type, and chronology, with clear time indicators to remind patients when the next medical study is due. This way, their healthcare experience is centralized around a single platform and a single institution, radically increasing retention rates.

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Advanced tools within reach of a single tap

Eden Portal provides access to tools never before seen in a mobile viewer. From specialized measurements to curved multiplanar reconstruction, referring physicians and even patients will be able to analyze radiological images with just a tap on their mobile device screen.

This strengthens loyalty among treating physicians, who will now have the full power of a medical-grade viewer in their hands. This makes it possible to deliver personalized, agile medical care instantly.

For patients, Eden Portal puts all their radiology and imaging information in the palm of their hand. For healthcare institutions, it represents an unprecedented tool for building loyalty among patients and treating physicians. 

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Move toward the future. Eden Portal is now available: sign up at edenmed.com/portal or reach out to one of our digital transformation experts to get it. Redefine your standard of results and give your patients an extraordinary experience. 

Advanced technology does not have to be complex. If your PACS system is causing more problems than benefits for your radiologists, it may be time to evaluate its usability: in other words, how user-friendly it is in day-to-day operations.

Approximately 48% of radiologists are dissatisfied with their RIS/PACS due to its lack of usability. Many systems tend to be slow, prone to technical failures or difficult to navigate, thereby reducing productivity rather than boosting it. To avoid these obstacles, it is necessary to evaluate a PACS's practical usability in the radiologist's daily work.

In terms of a PACS system's diagnostic features, there are several usability indicators that can be useful:

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Interpretation time per radiologist

Interpretation time per radiologist, a metric visible in Eden Intelligence, is the leading indicator of agility for determining whether there are areas of opportunity in your institution's operations. Using this measure, it is possible to compare the productivity of different radiologists across study modalities to determine whether longer interpretation times are due to the complexity of a study or to a platform's usability.

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Image loading speed and tool usage time

These measures make it possible to know whether the radiologist takes longer than necessary waiting for an image to fully load or searching for the right tool. This indicates a system that is not intuitive, forcing the user to fight against it to do their job and losing precious seconds that could save lives. At the institutional level, these seconds also add up to hours of slow work that not only reduce productivity, but also raise the risk of burnout, eye strain and medical error. 

Eden PACS is a platform designed around the user, which is why it includes elements such as a right-click submenu, fast image scrolling and a high-speed DICOM viewer. These tools make interacting with the platform easier, thereby increasing usability and enhancing the radiologist's work. 

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User satisfaction level

A PACS exists to serve the radiologist: for this reason, their experience is the best indicator of how effective a system truly is. Conducting satisfaction surveys is an important part of implementing medical technology, even when there is no visible reduction in productivity. It is through the radiologist's feedback that we can identify not only how "usable" the platform is on a technical level, but also how it is received among users, referring physicians and patients, what role it plays in daily operations, and how it can help an institution become exceptional.

To successfully implement advanced digital radiology technologies, it is essential to prioritize the human experience at their center. In this way, institutions can boost their productivity and offer humanized, personalized and precise healthcare. Eden PACS's usability goes beyond the number of clicks it takes to complete an interpretation: it is a sign of technology that exists to make the extraordinary accessible, for physicians and patients alike.

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References

Bramson, R. T., & Bramson, R. A. (2005). Overcoming Obstacles to Work-Changing Technology Such As PACS and Voice Recognition. American Journal of Roentgenology, 184(6), 1727–1730. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.184.6.01841727 

Halsted, M. J., & Froehle, C. M. (2008). Design, Implementation, and Assessment of a Radiology Workflow Management System. American Journal of Roentgenology, 191(2), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.07.3122 

Nance Jr, J. W., Meenan, C., & Nagy, P. G. (2013). The Future of the Radiology Information System. American Journal of Roentgenology, 200(5), 1064–1070. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.12.10326

In 2023, more than 133 million medical records were leaked in the United States alone, exceeding the previous year's figure by 156%. It is time to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare system, but what role do radiology institutions play in this monumental task?

Every data breach in the medical industry represents a massive loss of resources, puts millions of patients at risk, and has even resulted in the closure of several medical institutions. Solving this problem once and for all requires global collaboration across the different levels of the healthcare system. However, there are also concrete actions that institutions and individuals can take to defend private information against malicious attacks.

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Receiving and providing cybersecurity education

The future of radiology is digital. It is therefore the radiologist's responsibility not only to stay current in their area of specialty, but also to become educated in the use of technology platforms. Cyberattacks can occur in various forms, from phishing to ransomware. Physicians must be able to identify and respond appropriately to warning signs of these potential attacks, such as suspicious emails or unusual behavior in computer systems. 

It is also crucial to instill this cybersecurity awareness in patients and referring physicians alike. Particularly when using a PACS system to store and share information, radiologists and institutions alike must foster a culture of cybersecurity. This also involves choosing accessible digital platforms that can be easily used even by the most vulnerable groups, such as elderly patients.

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Demanding secure technology and regulatory compliance

Healthcare systems and medical institutions also have a responsibility to implement adequate security measures and provide the infrastructure necessary to effectively protect medical information. This includes investing in advanced security technologies that offer continuous updates and dedicated support for identifying potential cyber risks. 

It is especially important to require institutions to work with platforms that meet rigorous cybersecurity standards. Eden PACS complies with both HIPAA regulations and the ISO 27001 standard for information protection systems, meaning its digital defense standards are valid at an international level.

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Ultimately, the fight against cyberattacks in the healthcare system is a collaborative effort that requires the active participation of physicians, medical institutions and technology providers. By working together to strengthen cyber defenses and promote a culture of cybersecurity in the field of medicine, it becomes possible to mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect the safety of millions of patients.

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References

HIPAA. (2024). SECURITY BREACHES With The Compliments Of The HIPAA Journal IN HEALTHCARE IN 2023. https://www.hipaajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Security_Breaches_In_Healthcare_in_2023_by_The_HIPAA_Journal.pdf 

Kesang Tashi Ukyab, Beato, F., & World Economic Forum. (2024, February). Why the healthcare industry must prioritize cyber resilience. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/healthcare-pays-the-highest-price-of-any-sector-for-cyberattacks-that-why-cyber-resilience-is-key/ 

Lohchab, H. (2023, November 3). Cyberattacks on healthcare sector rising, 60% of organisations hit in a year: report. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/cyberattacks-on-healthcare-sector-rising-60-of-organisations-hit-in-a-year-report/articleshow/104917689.cms?from=mdr 

PACS systems are a fundamental pillar in advancing radiology toward the digital era. However, medical institutions must strategically choose platforms that fit their operational needs. Otherwise, they risk adopting a solution that hinders their productivity rather than boosting it.

It has been shown that the wrong platform can reduce radiologist productivity. Complex navigation, a lack of advanced tools and inadequate support are just some of the shortcomings medical institutions face when implementing this new technology. For this reason, it is necessary to analyze the qualities of a PACS system to explore its maximum potential at each institution.

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Interoperability and compatibility

One of the most common problems in implementing PACS systems is viewing the system as an isolated acquisition. In reality, these platforms are part of a whole, both at the technological and operational level. This is why a system's interoperability must be ensured with each institution's radiological equipment, as well as with other everyday platforms used for report dictation, information storage, scheduling and more. 

Compatibility must also be considered in terms of who will be using the system and for what purpose. Not all PACS systems have the diagnostic tools suited to a highly specialized radiology unit. Likewise, a PACS with complex navigation can waste crucial seconds for an institution performing emergency radiology. Usability, available tools and even the required level of training are relevant factors that determine a system's long-term accessibility.

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Security and regulatory compliance

In a digital medical system, data security must be as robust as the platform itself. It is essential to ensure that a PACS meets basic information protection standards, including data encryption and user authentication. In addition, compliance with privacy regulations such as HIPAA is indispensable. Eden PACS is certified under these regulations as well as the ISO 27001 standard for cybersecurity systems, thereby guaranteeing the privacy of patients and institutions at an international level.

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Technical support and customer service

The availability of technical support is one of the most important factors in the acceptance and continued use of new technologies. Eden PACS's 24/7 support resolves technical issues within moments, thereby minimizing downtime and preventing interruptions in patient care. In addition, with ongoing support from expert engineers, system users are able to learn and make the most of all of the PACS's features. For this reason, the quality of technical support affects not only operational efficiency, but also the quality of patient care and the satisfaction of medical staff.

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As the range of medical technology available continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to determine which PACS is right for enhancing your operations. Above all, any system implemented must be adaptable, dynamic and responsive to your institution's needs. A platform that evolves alongside your physicians and users is one that can propel your practice into the future, rather than keeping it anchored in the past.

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References

Cox, B., & Dawe, N. (2002). Evaluation of the impact of a PACS system on an intensive care unit. Journal of Management in Medicine, 16(2/3), 199–205. https://doi.org/10.1108/02689230210434934 

Duyck, P., Pynoo, B., Devolder, P., Voet, T., Adang, L., Ovaere, D., & Vercruysse, J. (2008). Monitoring the PACS Implementation Process in a Large University Hospital—Discrepancies Between Radiologists and Physicians. Journal of Digital Imaging, 23(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-008-9163-7 

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Volumetric reconstruction is a powerful tool that, now available in the Eden PACS DICOM viewer, is within reach of more physicians than ever before. This opens up new opportunities to integrate 3D visualizations into radiological practice and raise the standard of care at institutions throughout Latin America.

3D reconstruction has primarily been used to achieve precise interpretations in fields such as cardiology and orthopedics. However, it also offers opportunities for growth in two vital areas beyond diagnosis: connecting with specialist physicians and communicating with patients.

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Connections for personalized medical care

3D visualizations are invaluable in preoperative planning and interventional radiology procedures. A three-dimensional image makes it easier to identify critical structures in a patient's anatomy and even allows different surgical approaches to be simulated, transforming the precision and safety of these treatments.

Radiology clinics can use these capabilities as a connection point with other institutions and specialist physicians. This would not only raise their revenue, influence and impact, but would also represent a turning point for personalized medicine in Latin America. The 3D tool makes it possible to account for each patient's unique anatomy and facilitates communication among their physicians. In this way, it becomes possible to provide precise follow-up and improve the health of thousands of patients. 

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Putting the patient at the center of care

Recent studies on 3D reconstruction emphasize its usefulness in explaining medical conditions to patients. By showing them a three-dimensional representation of their anatomy, it becomes possible to help them better understand their diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. 

This level of communication leads to better clinical outcomes, motivates patients to follow instructions and raises their satisfaction levels. It is also an approach that helps transform current healthcare processes, as it invites patients to become part of their own care and to feel empowered within a system that is often dehumanizing. 

Radiological technology is not reserved for the reading room. Tools such as 3D reconstruction can revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered and received. By harnessing its potential across different areas of the system, it becomes possible to bring exceptional healthcare to institutions throughout the continent.

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References

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Suman, R., & Singh, R. P. (2021). 3D Printing Applications for Radiology: An Overview. The Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging, 31(1), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1729129 

Jones, J. (2022, March). Creating 3D Models from Imaging. Www.acr.org. https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Imaging-3/Case-Studies/Information-Technology/Creating-3D-Models-from-Imaging

Access to quality radiology remains a dream for much of Latin America. 

It is estimated that conditions whose diagnosis relies on imaging studies, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, are responsible for nearly 82% of deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. In Mexico alone, there are 30 radiologists and three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units per million inhabitants. Across the continent, medical systems have become increasingly costly, saturated and limited in their capacity to provide care.

Radiology is regarded by many as the medicine of the future because of its continuous technological advances. But if basic care remains out of reach for the general population in the developing world, this evolution will be in vain. To truly bring the future to everyone, it is necessary to transform the medical system and restructure the way technology is selected, adopted and implemented according to the region's unique needs.

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Medicine at the service of the patient

In an overwhelmed system, patients are no longer at the center of medical care. Many must wait months to undergo radiological exams, incur significant costs traveling to healthcare centers, and frequently receive delayed, incorrect or incomplete diagnoses. 

Addressing these problems requires adopting technologies aimed at reducing administrative burden and improving the patient experience. In the case of Eden Management, the platform is designed to centralize operations with minimal infrastructure, allowing implementation in any corner of the continent. This, combined with the digital delivery of results via WhatsApp, is a solution that simplifies the patient experience within the healthcare system's workflow and speeds up the diagnostic process for timely medical care. 

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Tools at the service of the physician

A central element in the adoption of new technologies is the radiologist's experience. In Latin America, radiologists are overburdened with work and many lack the equipment needed to perform it properly. As a result, costly, complex technologies with high infrastructure requirements would become an obstacle rather than a productivity tool.

For this reason, Eden PACS was created to be intuitive, lightweight and accessible from any device. These strategies help work around infrastructure challenges to offer physicians intuitive diagnostic tools. Likewise, with the implementation of artificial intelligence in the form of Eden Creator, it is possible to reduce workload and take the first step toward automating repetitive processes. 

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Technology at the service of everyone

The vast majority of advanced radiological technology providers are large international companies whose products are not adapted to the needs of the developing world. The giants of the medical industry see only what is in their line of sight. 

That is why Eden was born: to cover the medical system's blind spots in Latin America from within. By building a close relationship with our partner institutions, we can respond directly to the experiences of physicians and patients throughout the region. It is only through this continuous evolution, adaptability and closeness to the realities of the continent that it will be possible to bring extraordinary radiology to everyone. 

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References

McKenney, A. S., Garg, T., Kim, E., & Kesselman, A. (2021). Addressing Global Radiology Disparities: Increasing Access to Interventional Radiology Education. RadioGraphics, 41(5), E142–E144. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.2021210176 

Murali, S., Ding, H., Adedeji, F. A., Qin, C., Obungoloch, J., Asllani, I., Anazodo, U., Ntusi, N., Mammen, R., Niendorf, T., & Adeleke, S. (2023). Bringing MRI to low‐ and middle‐income countries: Directions, challenges and potential solutions. NMR in Biomedicine. https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.4992 

Rodriguez, A., Martínez, L., & Alvarado, S. R. (2023). Uso de nuevas tecnologías en Radiología e imágenes diagnósticas y su relación con las competencias profesionales y/o perfil de egreso del Licenciado en Radiología de Panamá y Latinoamérica en los últimos 15 años. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 7(1), 6762–6788. https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v7i1.4929

Business intelligence is more than a tool for making business decisions. Especially in the field of radiology, it has become clear that this data must be used in strategies that go beyond productivity and aim to elevate the quality of medical work. With the right metrics, this technology can reveal critical factors in the radiological process, helping create more value for both physicians and patients.

Business intelligence, or BI, refers to a set of technologies and tools that help organizations collect, analyze, and present data to make informed decisions. However, BI solutions specialized for radiology, such as Eden Intelligence, focus on measuring precise indicators for the industry, including the number of studies by modality and the number of studies interpreted per physician, among others. 

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This data is necessary to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and evaluate the performance of multiple branches, especially in the case of clinical laboratories. However, its specificity also makes it possible to assess how these institutions operate around their patients’ needs. Based on these metrics, radiologists themselves can make adjustments to their way of working and contribute ideas for process improvement based on hard, real-time data. For example:

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• The individual productivity of each member of the medical staff reveals not only performance quality, but also workload distribution and demand for certain specialists
• The number of studies performed per hour helps identify bottlenecks and assess the effectiveness of work plans, shift assignments, and staff rotation
• Trends in the modality of studies performed provide general indicators of current demand and help assess the need for different pieces of medical equipment and/or personnel
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In addition to these metrics, Eden Intelligence includes two key indicators: physician interpretation time and number of referred studies. From these, factors in customer satisfaction can be extrapolated, since patients depend on the physician’s interpretation time to receive their studies. Likewise, the number of referred studies is a criterion for evaluating an institution’s relationship with external physicians: their trust in the radiologist, the loyalty established with the institution, and their satisfaction with its digital referral system. 

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These elements transform BI for radiologists, as they go beyond organizational boundaries to explore the satisfaction of partners and patients. In the future, platforms like Eden Intelligence will continue to evolve to include specific metrics that make it possible to interpret medical work not only at the business level, but also in terms of the value it delivers. Only in this way will healthcare institutions be able to move beyond good and into the extraordinary.

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References

Boland, G. W., Thrall, J. H., & Duszak, R. Jr. (2014). Business Intelligence, Data Mining, and Future Trends. American College of Radiology. https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Imaging-3/Imaging-Value-Chain/Data-Mining 

Yee, J. M., Cross, N., & Bhargava, P. (2022). Do-It-Yourself Business Intelligence for the Radiologist—Lessons Learned From 10-Year Trends in an Abdominal Imaging Division at a Tertiary Medical Center. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 19(2), 329–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2021.10.007

On International Women's Day, we honor the achievements of five women who transformed radiology. Thanks to their discoveries, contributions, and inventions, millions of patients can access diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy services. Let us continue working to increase this number and to honor the great physicians and scientists who elevated radiology to new heights. 

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Irène Joliot-Curie, D.Sc (1897-1956)

Dr. Joliot-Curie’s achievements speak for themselves. In addition to serving as a field radiologist during World War I, she carried on her mother Marie Curie’s legacy in the study of radioactivity. Together with her husband Frédéric, she discovered the existence of radioactive isotopes that could be manufactured at low cost. This breakthrough made imaging and cancer treatments accessible for the first time, earning her the Nobel Prize in 1935. During the ceremony, the committee declared that Dr. Joliot-Curie’s discoveries would lead to “remedies of inestimable value” for all of humanity, and so they did. 

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Edith Quimby, D.Sc (1891-1982)

Dr. Quimby’s specialty was physics, but her domain was medicine. Her work grew out of a desire to protect both physicians and patients from the harm of X-ray radiation without compromising the quality of treatment. Quimby’s research transformed the landscape of dosimetry and forms the basis of the Memorial system, still used today to calculate radiation doses in brachytherapy. Thanks to her, diagnostic radiology exists as we know it today: effective, advanced, and above all, safe. 

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Tikvah Alper, M.A. (1909-1995)

Dr. Alper made the invisible visible through radiobiology. During her research on the effects of radiation on cells, she discovered that certain viruses can replicate without being affected by radiation. This revolutionized the field and paved the way for prion theory, which today forms the basis of our understanding of infectious neurodegenerative diseases. Alper was not afraid to question established knowledge and go further to uncover the truth, breaking paradigms and taking radiobiology to another level.

Alice Ettinger, MD (1899-1993)

Dr. Ettinger was a hero in more ways than one. She arrived in the United States from Berlin on what she thought would be a trip of a few weeks, and ended up staying for more than 50 years at Tufts University School of Medicine. She introduced gastrointestinal radiology to the country, pioneered the emerging field of tomography, and gave work to doctors who had fled Germany during the 1930s. Even today, Ettinger has left her mark among colleagues as an extraordinary radiologist who propelled the discipline to new horizons. 

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Muyinatu Bell, PhD 

Dr. Bell is responsible for the most transformative innovations in radiological equipment in recent years. She is the founder and director of the Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Systems Engineering (PULSE) Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. She also led the development of the first Short-Lag Spatial Coherence (SLSC) system for ultrasound, introduced the use of fiber-optic photoacoustic imaging to assist in delicate surgeries, and is a pioneer in combining these tools with minimally invasive robotic surgery. Still active as a researcher, Bell promises to be an essential force in creating new advanced radiology tools.

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References

Coultas, P. G., & Hopewell, J. W. (2021). Dr Tikvah Alper: a short history of her scientific career. International Journal of Radiation Biology, 98(3), 314–317. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2021.2009148

Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. (2024). Muyinatu Bell. Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/muyinatu-bell/ 

Karakatsanis, N. A., & Arleo, E. K. (2022). Dr. Edith H. Quimby: A pioneering medical physicist and educator with outstanding contributions in radiation dosimetry. Clinical Imaging, 81, 118–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.09.017 

Science History Institute. (n.d.). Irène Joliot-Curie and Frédéric Joliot. Science History Institute. https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/irene-joliot-curie-and-frederic-joliot/#:~:text=Partners%20in%20life%20and%20in 

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2015a). Alice Ettinger. Changing the Face of Medicine. https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_105.html 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, but we decide how to welcome it, and how to implement it. For providers of intelligent solutions like Eden, it is crucial to consider how radiologists interact with these tools in their workspaces. This can make the difference between an AI that works with the physician and one that works against them.

The field of radiology employs a variety of intelligent tools for image analysis and the generation of diagnostic impressions. These programs are capable of analyzing large amounts of information in seconds, thereby reducing the physician’s workload, speeding up emergency diagnosis, and even revealing findings previously invisible to the radiologist. 

But like any other technology, AI is fallible. According to a 2023 study based on knee osteoarthritis diagnoses, the error rate of an AI is generally equivalent to that of a human radiologist. However, depending on the interaction with the radiologist, these incidents can increase significantly and lead to incorrect decisions. Risk factors for medical error caused by AI include:

• Lack of understanding of how the algorithm works (also known as the “black box” effect)
• Absence of ROI or other visual AI indicators to flag its findings on the study image
• Automatic insertion of AI-generated findings into the study report

These results point to an implementation of AI in which the radiologist’s agency is not prioritized. Raymundo González, CTO at Eden, believes this should be a crucial consideration for any intelligent tool in the sector: “everything must be designed to give the physician complete control.” 

Raymundo leads the development of Eden Creator, a language intelligence model that provides precise diagnostic conclusions based on the findings of a study. The goal of this tool is not to replace the physician’s interpretation, but to complement their written report, a task that “does not always require the radiologist’s skill and expertise.” 

Creator is designed to empower the user, who has the ability to review the suggested conclusions, edit them, accept them, or simply reject them. With each instance, the algorithm learns from these expert decisions to refine its predictions further. This helps avoid the risk of an erroneous conclusion resulting from AI use. In addition, this tool can save the radiologist up to an hour of work, reducing the fatigue and eye strain that can also lead to medical error.

As intelligent tools become increasingly accessible worldwide, it is essential to explore implementation approaches that take the radiologist’s working conditions into account and mitigate the risk of medical error. As the American College of Radiology (ACR) states, “AI is never “an alternative” to the radiologist,” but rather an ally at their service. 

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References

Bernstein, M., Atalay, M. K., Dibble, E. H., Maxwell, A. W. P., Karam, A. R., Agarwal, S., Ward, R. C., Healey, T. T., & Baird, G. L. (2023). Can incorrect artificial intelligence (AI) results impact radiologists, and if so, what can we do about it? A multi-reader pilot study of lung cancer detection with chest radiography. European Radiology, 33(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-023-09747-1 

Lenskjold, A., Nybing, J. D., Trampedach, C., Galsgaard, A., Brejnebøl, M. W., Raaschou, H., Rose, M. H., & Boesen, M. (2023). Should artificial intelligence have lower acceptable error rates than humans? BJR|Open, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1259/bjro.20220053

Telemedicine is not the future; it is the present. Since the health emergency caused by COVID-19, remote care has become a standard tool. Despite bringing benefits such as reduced operating costs, greater accessibility for patients, and even more personalized care, telemedicine also presents challenges. The remote modality and the use of technology can turn this practice into an obstacle, diverting medical care from its true purpose: improving the patient's life.

Some professionals consider that remote medicine can be dehumanizing. This is especially concerning in teleradiology, since the physician interprets images asynchronously and rarely interacts with the patient in real time. Failing to account for the unique aspects of these situations risks producing patient distrust and limiting the quality of care they receive. 

Strategies are needed to keep the patient at the center of remote radiology and to adapt current practices to new forms of digital interaction. This calls for action not only from physicians and healthcare institutions, but also from providers of medical technology systems. That is why, at Eden, we build teleradiology platforms around three fundamental pillars: autonomy, privacy, and accessibility.

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Autonomy

It is crucial to prevent the patient from becoming the object of radiology, rather than its focus. Since the process of sending and interpreting images takes place independently of the patient, they may feel like “just another number” in the radiologist’s daily routine. 

Effective communication is key to empowering the patient once again: strategies such as explaining the dynamics of remote interpretation in advance, offering digital follow-up through appointment reminders, and using everyday contact channels such as WhatsApp minimize patient reluctance while reaffirming the physician’s commitment to their health. Sending digital results through Eden PACS also helps build this trust, giving patients the freedom to view their medical studies from the location of their choice. In this way, individuals are able to take control of their own health. 

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Privacy

Sometimes uncertainty does not arise from the teleradiology process itself, but from the channels used to carry it out. Many patients are accustomed to hearing about insecure networks, hacking, and other cyber threats, which would naturally make them distrust online medical care. That is why it is essential for us that all Eden platforms comply with strict confidentiality and data protection regulations: for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as corresponding certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Equally important is making this fact visible to reassure the patient. This includes establishing clear rules about who has access to the patient’s clinical record, continuously updating information security systems, and building strong alliances with referring physicians to create a secure digital space. This makes it possible not only to protect patient privacy, but also to give patients the freedom to provide clinical information without risk, enabling more accurate and personalized care.

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Accessibility

Using accessible technology can make the difference between excellent medical care and care that excludes the patient. This is particularly true for patients with limited access to electronic devices, as well as older patients or those with disabilities, who often require support to operate digital platforms.

For this reason, every teleradiology strategy must include methods to bring patients closer to and familiarize them with new modes of care. It is vital that patient interaction platforms be user-friendly and adapted to everyday devices, such as smartphones or laptops. From scheduling appointments to delivering results, we believe technology should be accessible both economically and in terms of user experience. This principle guides the design of our user interface.

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Teleradiology is a method that offers new opportunities to deliver quality medical care to patients around the world. However, to implement it correctly, it is necessary to consider the challenges it presents in terms of human interaction. Institutions, physicians, and especially telehealth technologies must place the patient at the center of their operations and establish firm regulations on bioethics, cybersecurity, and accessibility, so as to guarantee dignified medical care. Our passion is to create a secure, seamless, and friendly ecosystem that keeps the human dimension of medical service present. By making current practice more flexible and adaptable, it is possible to reduce the distance imposed by digital barriers and turn it into a catalyst for progress.

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References

Cusí Sánchez, M. V., Gomes Da Costa, F., Bossio, P., Fábrega, C., García Abejas, A. and Salvador Vergés. (November 10, 2022). Telemedicine and eHealth: reflections from bioethics. Instituto Borja de Bioética (Borja Institute of Bioethics). https://www.iborjabioetica.url.edu/es/blog-de-bioetica-debat/telemedicina-y-esalud-reflexiones-desde-la-bioetica

Mesa Maldonado, M. A. (2019). The Medical Act in Light of Telemedicine: Is It Necessary to Update the Concept? Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile). UC Repository. https://doi.org/10.7764/tesisUC/MED/23664

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Apple's new augmented reality headset, Vision Pro, opens the door to completely transforming medicine. Eden PACS can now be used on this device to view imaging studies, marking a milestone in the use of spatial computing for radiology.

Augmented reality makes it possible to project images into an immersive space. In radiology, this means an arsenal of possibilities such as navigating, manipulating, and analyzing studies. What could previously only be done through a monitor will now be possible right before the physician's eyes.

Until recently, this costly technology was inaccessible to the average radiologist. Now, Vision Pro puts it at everyone's service, with portable headsets. This is especially important in LATAM, where there are only 30 radiologists per million people, and many lack the appropriate equipment to do their job. 

In this context, Vision Pro represents a transformative shift that creates opportunities to bring advanced technology to thousands of radiologists at a lower cost, increasing productivity and improving the quality of healthcare across the continent. 

As Eden's CEO, Julián Ríos, states: "now any physician will be able to have 4K monitors, in whatever size they want, right at their fingertips, directly on their head, in their eyes."

In the very near future, this accessible technology will be crucial for making the best decisions for patients' benefit: physicians will be able to collaborate remotely to handle emergency cases in an instant, imaging students will be able to train with realistic, high-definition cases, and interventional radiology will have more precise tools to minimize risk during delicate procedures. In addition, thanks to its eye-tracking technology, users will be able to view and manipulate studies naturally, thereby reducing the burnout that afflicts the vast majority of radiologists worldwide.

"This is not a hypothesis, it is not something that might happen in the future. It is something that is already possible: today, our users, if they have Vision Pro, can access Eden PACS. Doing so is a quantum leap in what radiology can do today for physicians and patients."

Eden PACS exists to drive the democratization of advanced radiology throughout LATAM. We provide more than 600 clients in 16 countries with a cloud-based radiology solution and instant digital delivery, with no additional installation costs. We also put vital tools in radiologists' hands, such as MPR reconstruction, specialized suites for orthopedics and mammography, and even artificial intelligence for report generation. Augmented reality will make it possible to bring this technology to more people and elevate radiology in the developing world to new heights.

Our sacred purpose is to ensure extraordinary healthcare for everyone. With Vision Pro, we make this vision a reality. 

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A radiology information system is software used to manage medical images and other associated data in a hospital setting. Discover its main features and benefits.

Technology is becoming increasingly incorporated into the healthcare sector, making digitization more prevalent. This has benefited both the physician-patient relationship and all the functions of the hospital facility. Notable examples are RIS systems. Let's take a look at what they consist of.

What is a RIS system?

The term RIS stands for radiology information system (radiology information system). It is responsible for collecting, controlling, and exploring all the data obtained from the radiology diagnostic service. 

A RIS collects all the information on a patient's radiology activity, from the moment the study is ordered until the results report is completed. This entire system is designed to be easy to use. 

With a RIS system, it is possible to identify everyone involved in performing the diagnostic test. This allows each person to be held accountable in the event of an error, as well as improving the service provided. It also helps the head of the radiology and imaging department with decision-making.

RIS systems generally operate using worklists, which help increase productivity and provide greater control and organization. The essential worklists of a RIS are:

• Appointment waiting list. 
• Exam worklist. 
• Diagnostic worklist. 
• Transcription worklist. 
• Supervision worklist.  

Functions of a RIS system 

Some of the main functions offered by a RIS system are:

• Appointments. This is the assignment of a date and time for the study, which can be manual or automated. 
• Reception. Manages the processes involved when the patient arrives to undergo the test.
• Activity log. A record containing information on the radiology technician, matches, time taken, and materials used.
• Reports. The creation of the radiology report, which is later sent to the patient or the referring physician. 
• Statistics. Involves data mining within the system to obtain important information, such as workload.
• Billing. Allows tracking of payments for services rendered.
• PACS integration. Allows control over the storage of radiology studies and other functions specific to a PACS system.

Characteristics of a RIS

Among the important characteristics that make up a RIS, we can mention:

• Image storage, tracking, and distribution. A RIS system stores each radiology image, along with its corresponding report and all the data pertaining to the patient. It also allows tracking of how all information is shared through the computer network connected to the RIS (whether local software or cloud storage), so that physicians can access the data whenever they need it.

• Patient and resource management. By opting for this digitized service, everything is kept in an organized record that is easy to access for authorized staff. This makes patient registration, scheduling, and material management much easier.

• Patient tracking. Allows verification of all patient information, medical history, studies performed, current treatment, and progress by logging into the system. 

• Interactive documents, input and output of results. The digitization of all documents helps improve the distribution of information, reducing wait times, improving communication among physicians, and achieving a faster and more accurate diagnosis. All results are reported digitally and can easily be sent by email or instant messaging. There is also the option to print when needed. 

PACS-RIS integration

During the interpretation process, prior studies or reports are frequently needed and must be available immediately upon request. This means that certain preparations must be made in advance, and this process must be automatic. When a study or scheduling order is placed, if the RIS sends information about the scheduled study, the PACS can automatically retrieve or preload relevant prior studies. 

If a study is changed immediately before it is performed, or if it is added as an emergency, the new information can be sent to the PACS for further review. At any point during interpretation, the radiologist should be able to request and view a patient's previous reports from the PACS workstation.

It is important to know that a RIS system complements a PACS system very well. Each provides its own functions and tools, which brings stability to the radiology and imaging department, and therefore to the entire hospital.

Preparing in advance for the installation and adoption of a RIS is key to success. To minimize the risk of failure, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Seek specialized IT consulting. 
2. Plan an incremental migration.
3. Ensure adequate hardware and communications infrastructure. 
4. Ensure the acquisition of a RIS that implements HL7 and certifications such as HIPAA. 
5. Anticipate future systems to be integrated with the RIS, such as the PACS system. 
6. Review the department's workflow and reorganize it if necessary. 
7. Train and familiarize staff with the information systems.

Advantages of the RIS system

Implementing a RIS system brings numerous advantages, among which we can mention:

• Reduced costs for support and handling operations.
• Losses in the storage of radiology film are avoided.
• Service delivery is improved, since once the image is captured, the result is immediately transmitted to the PACS and the image can be viewed in real time.
• It is environmentally friendly, since film production is avoided and paperwork is likewise reduced.
• The diagnostic process is improved, since data entry errors are significantly reduced.
• Priority is given to physician-patient care. 
• Increases patient flow due to more efficient appointment scheduling and faster reports.

‍References

• The Future of the Radiology Information System. American Journal of Roentgenology. Vol. 200, No. 5.
• C. Martínez Serrano: Sistemas de Información Radiológica. Sistemas de información radiológica. 
• Janice C. Honeyman. Information Systems Integration in Radiology. Journal of Digital Imaging, Vol 112, No 2, Suppl (May), 1999.