Introducing MedConnect®
MedConnect® is our unique HL7 integration workflow delivering safe, reduced client administration and high quality clinical reports.
- A teleradiology HL7 connection that does not compromise on full access to patient information
- Bi-directional HL7 messaging
- Proprietary technical setup with uniquely developed technology
- Vendor/radiology system neutral – can be connected to any existing HL7 bi-directional radiology architecture
Full clinical history when reporting
Fast and secure
Maximum efficiency for local radiology
24/7 professional support
Providing the highest quality technology for our reporters
All Medica radiologists and reporting radiographers, receive a pair of 21” 3-megapixel diagnostic grade DICOM screens. These screens are manufactured by Eizo, one of the leading manufacturers of diagnostic medical display hardware in the world.
Our mammography radiologists use a pair of 5-megapixel diagnostic grade DICOM screens, as higher resolution is required for mammography reporting. These are again made by Eizo.
The main benefits of using fully diagnostic grade DICOM screens, is the ability for them to be monitored centrally, using inbuilt sensors located within the screens. All the DICOM screens supplied by Medica connect to a central management system which monitors the screens at regular intervals and can alert the team to any issues so they can be rectified. This system is also checked via regular scheduled maintenance tickets which are automatically raised on the Medica IT Servicedesk.
Our Eizo DICOM screens are also guaranteed for a minimum of 5 years from the date of first use and the brightness of the screens (or luminosity) is usually higher than standard off the shelf (commonly referred to as ‘COTS’ screens). This level of brightness is also monitored to ensure it stays at a consistent level, rather than drifting over time, which can happen with standard screens and is difficult to monitor or correct.
The greyscale definition factor (known as GSDF) can also be monitored at multiple points to check that the contrast levels of grayscale shades are within the specified parameters. The consistency of the image display across the whole display panel, along with several other key metrics can also be monitored.
We do not use any reporting screens that are unable to be remotely monitored, checked and calibrated to the DICOM standard. We also have a regular schedule to check these screens and arrange onsite visits to check the screens with an in-depth test after they have completed certain usage hours.
To ensure that we meet or exceed current PACS screen guidance, we follow the guidelines for screen standards, as stated in the Royal College of Radiologists document – ‘Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and guidelines on diagnostic display devices – Third edition’.
We also regularly meet with the DICOM screen manufacturers, to ensure all recommended usage guidance is being followed and they are being used and checked appropriately.
An award winning AI integration
For faster prioritisation and reporting of intracranial haemorrhage, we’ve added AI powered CT Brain solution to our acute teleradiology reporting workflow.
Our partnership with Qure.ai
qER algorithm: A decision support tool to analyse non contrast studies, flagging up possible abnormalities allowing prioritisation of reporting based on clinical priority as opposed to chronological allocation.
The tool also highlights potential critical findings to reporters, which can be integrated into their diagnosis, transforming a radiologists’ experience of CT brain analysis and improving the speed of medical diagnosis of acute stroke.
VDI reporting
Medica has implemented a cloud-based solution which provides overseas reporters with an excellent service and user experience. This is achieved by moving the core workstation functionality from the Reporter’s desktop workstation to a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), hosted in the Azure cloud.
Using global infrastructure service providers such as Microsoft and utilising their connectivity reduces the reliance on public networks like the Internet and increases connectivity speeds. Moving the final image transfer endpoint to a local cloud datacentre and streaming the desktop to the reporter’s desk via a secure web tunnel, removes the reliance on the Reporter’s internet connection for large image set data transfers.
Our end point solution, provided by Citrix DaaS (Desktop as a Service) interconnected to Microsoft Azure, is a purpose-built platform with tailored profiles correctly sized for heavy graphics users, designed to optimise performance to allow fast, reliable 24/7 reporting.
The introduction of VDI for overseas reporting bolsters Medica’s pool of GMC reporters. This enables us to provide more flexibility to our clients, particularly around including subspecialty expertise, and crucially allows us to take advantage of world time differences.
NightHawk® Portal
Emergency referrals and examinations are tracked through our dynamic workflow management system – The NightHawk® Portal.
The Portal provides:
- 2-way communication, live updates, and intelligent interactive dashboards
- The fastest possible teleradiology workflow for radiographers and referrers, giving your staff more time to focus on each patient
- Radiographers with full visibility of justification and protocolling from the referral discussion and provides a single location showing all the relevant data for each case
We see a consistent reduction in out of hours activity in hospitals that use the data to engage with referring colleagues leading to tighter gatekeeping of referrals, improved workflow, and a reduction in spend.
13%
up to 13% reduction in annual referral rates
10
saving 10 minutes on average per patient
Faster workflow for referrals and radiographer
Acute Intracranial Haemorrhage identified by AI tool
Permanent record of justification under IR(ME)R
Live visibility for hospital staff of every patient through every stage
Referral activity data capture
InSight discrepancy management system
Medica has a logging, tracking and management system called ‘InSight’ for specific queries, or perceived errors in radiological reports.
- Electronic auditable records
- Updates sent on opening and closure
- Full response within 7 days
InSight is a secure web based portal, without need to download and install any client.
It is safer and more effective than email based communication, and holds discrepancy data indefinitely, providing a permanent governance history.
It is a very powerful tool for local radiology REALM and governance meetings.
