Development of a Tool for Managing Radiology Workflow

Challenge

The main difficulties in the previous version of the app, which became the source of customer disappointment, were poor operational performance combined with a confusing UI.

Medium to large hospitals with a significant study turnover rate reported that slow app responsiveness and overall balancing inefficiency were affecting the number of medical exams reviewed. Following some fruitless attempts with other teams to redesign the software, the client finally turned to us to help improve the overall performance right away.

Rewrote the entire source code.

Significant code improvement.

Major features implemented (workflow optimization, analytics, worklist optimization).

What has Glorium Technologies done?

Find and fix the reasons linked to the app’s slow performance

If needed – change healthcare app architecture to raise performance

Verify the studies distribution algorithm and implement the desired business-logic elements

Improve app UI to make it more responsive and user-friendly

Build an integration with the majority of existing dictation systems and image viewers

Significantly decrease the capacity of the infrastructure required to use the application

Solution

After the execution of highly detailed performance tests, our developers reviewed all API calls and database requests and challenged every query’s adequacy.

As a result, we tightened data retrieval and increased the volume of acquired data every step of the way. A large portion of data was cached in order to speed up access to repeatedly queried but rarely changing medical data.

We also:

Crafted UI / UX for both doctors and hospital admin requirements

Completed integration with multiple image viewers/dictation systems

Added a flexible and robust load balancing mechanism for real-time distribution

Integrated the tool for different PACS archives/VNAs compatibility

Created a mechanism for scheduling systems interoperability

Created an internal audit mechanism to control data access (for HIPAA compliance)

Developed a reporting tool for physician performance tracking

The four year cooperation resulted in a transformative impact on the radiology department's operations:

Enhanced efficiency with a seamless workflow, reducing case turnaround times.

Improved accuracy and diagnostic quality by leveraging the specific sub-specialties of the radiology team.

A significant increase in radiologist satisfaction due to workload balance and recognition of their expertise.

Better patient outcomes through accurate and faster diagnoses.

Comprehensive analytics capabilities leading to data-driven decisions and operational excellence.

Features

Workflow optimization using a proprietary algorithm to distribute studies based on user-defined preferences

Worklist Management (Connection with any PACS system is supported)

Configurable Analytics to monitor radiologist productivity (visual dashboard)

Integration with Scheduling Software

Integration with DICOM

Support of various universal diagnostic viewers (NilRead, Phillips, etc.)

Results

1. Radiology Workflow Management:
   
   1. • Customization: Radiologists' preferences were meticulously cataloged to ensure
        real-time case distribution aligned with their sub-specialties and expertise.
      • Workload balancing: The system was designed to distribute cases evenly,
        preventing burnout and ensuring a consistent quality of care.
2. Universal Patient List:
   
   1. • Integration: By harmonizing disparate systems (VNA, PACS, viewer, and voice
        recognition), a single, streamlined patient worklist was created.
      • Intelligent routing: Cases were intelligently routed and sorted, ensuring that
        the most appropriate radiologist received the right case at the right time.
3. Analyze & Visualize:
   
   1. • Custom dashboards: Bespoke radiology dashboards and scorecards were developed,
        offering real-time insights into performance metrics.
      • Report generation: The new system empowered the department to create detailed
        reports, facilitating a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.