From scan room to cloud: enabling real-time virtual imaging and remote scanning

Advances in technology have rewritten the rules for MR, PET-CT and CT exams. Today, remote scanning allows expert technologists to operate scanners without being physically present at the imaging console [1]. Remote imaging allows healthcare organizations to streamline workflows, unify access and centralize technologists’ expertise, so that all locations – no matter how remote - benefit from expert technologists.

This remarkable shift is possible because of three innovations that underpin a successful remote scanning [1] operation.

Once these are in place, there are no barriers to remote scanning.

Remote imaging delivers both operational and functional benefits. By removing the boundaries of physical space, healthcare organizations are free to configure a solution to benefit patients, staff and their bottom line.

Remote imaging is a boon to organizations battling technologist shortages. One remote expert user can operate scanners at multiple sites in real time, supported by on-site staff who handle patient logistics and comfort.[1] No longer is there a need for every location to have a high-level expert user on site, nor to schedule particularly challenging exams for when the most experienced staff is working. With remote scanning, all sites gain access to the same specialized scanning expertise, even if it is not locally available. This enhances flexibility in on-site staffing, helps to reduce downtime due to staff absences and allows more scans to be performed without additional on-site hires.

During a remote scan, on-site and remote team members communicate and coordinate: remote experts provide live guidance on patient positioning, scan protocols and workflow adjustments, while on-site technologists instruct, reassure and position patients, and provide input and feedback. Unified access ensures that remote experts can view and manage scans across multiple facilities and scanners. Consistent imaging protocols, delivered to locations via the cloud, help to improve operational quality and efficiency.

Remote imaging can be a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining expert technologists who want to work from a single location and minimize travel. On-site technologists benefit as well, from the ability to consult with those at the command center, and to observe and perform complex exams for which they may not have the skills or confidence to conduct alone. In addition, the communication tools and cloud-based technology support remote training programs.

Some sites have even seen a reduction of recalled exams due to direct communication and support from the expert user in the command center to the technologist on site.[3] Patients in rural and underserved areas are able to schedule complex studies close to home, confident that they will receive the same expert imaging as if they had traveled to a major medical center.

In addition to talk, text and remote access capabilities, the technological advance that makes remote scanning practical is cloud computing. Cloud platforms enable secure, high-quality remote access to scanner consoles while enabling imaging consistency.

Vendor neutral enterprise imaging solutions allow organizations to easily scale their application of virtual imaging, allowing healthcare sites with varied scanner manufacturers and models and different healthcare IT systems to be connected to the same remote command center.

Organizations interested in virtual imaging can start with a few scanners and scale up in a manner that works best for their unique personnel and logistical situation. As confidence with virtual imaging grows, cloud solutions can be deployed quickly across sites.

Recognizing the growing interest in remote scanning, the American College of Radiology (ACR) released a position statement that states, “The overriding principle in remote scanning is that patient safety, exam quality, and patient experience must always be maintained to the same level as for scanning with the primary technologist onsite.” [2]

Solutions such as Philips Radiology Operations Command Center deliver the tools required to meet this ACR requirement. Multi-vendor, multi-modality, and multi-site, it is helping healthcare organizations around the globe provide patient-centered imaging services. One organization, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, reported that Philips remote scanning allowed them to increase cardiac MR exams during the evening shift by 91%, to increase total scanning throughput by 9% and to double the number of technologists trained – in half the time as previously required. [3]

“Remote scanning has really come into its own as a viable solution for many of the challenges facing imaging organizations,” said Anat Hersch. “When we consult with healthcare organizations, we often find that those who are committed to significantly improving their operations see remote imaging as their path forward.”