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Thistle's Technology
The current high speed LAN/WAN , data management system , HIGH (2x2.5K) resolution review station , network and storage facilities are ideal for CR image management in this busy general Radiology practice .
AN ENTERPRISE-WIDE SOLUTION In order for Thistle to successfully implement high resolution CR digital imaging, many COST and TECHNICAL PROBLEMS had to be solved . This custom solution allows for the first time in Canada (and potentially all of North America) a small/medium sized IHF facility such as ours to serve as a model for DIGITAL conversion for private out-patient IHF facilities across North America. When optimized, a unique digital patient record is created post- registration and individual patient imaging requests (X-Ray , USS , Mammography , GI ) are automatically transferred via LAN to workstations as "tasks"on a "worklist". As each "task" (imaging examination) is completed that "task" is deleted from the "worklist" and transferred along with the associated images to the Radiologist HIGH resolution review station for reporting. Using standard dictatyping or Voice Recognition Software cases are reported then transferred as "tasks" for typing/printing at the typing stations. The long term goal is to reduce report delivery delays to 4-24 hrs by sending most reports by FAX or e-Mail to Physicians offices at the time of typing.
Physicians may request access to the Thistle Server through our website www.xray.ca and will be given access to our Secure Web Server in order to directly view their Patients images from their office/home or anywhere in the world! All you will require is a secure Password, the patients unique identifier number and access to the Web. Without Web access, you may view HIGH resolution DICOM images directly off of any Windows computer via Image CD or receive low resolution DIGITAL photographs on paper and keep these for your records. Live TELERADIOLOGY CONFERENCING is now possible by simply retrieving your patients films via the Internet Secure Server then calling to speak with the Essex X-Ray Radiologist to discuss the case.
We believe that HIGH resolution CR technology and High resolution Review stations are ideal for screening and diagnostic Mammography particularly in the patient with radiographically dense breasts . This belief is not universally held amongst the senior Canadian or American Mammographic community . However these attitudes are rapidly changing as Major Toronto and Montreal Teaching Hospitals and the Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital adopt DIGITAL Mammography as the new standard for patient care . The significant potential reduction in patient dose , high resolution and increased image latitude without loss of contrast are the primary reasons for our position . We are beginning a prospective double blind study to evaluate the relative diagnostic efficiency in the general population of DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY .
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Thistle (Main office) presently performs General Radiographic services, GI/Fluoroscopy services, Mammography as well as General and Vascular Ultrasound (3 rooms). We operate a high speed (100 Mb/sec) NT/LINUX based LAN/WAN with all 3 peripheral office networked with Main office. The network server facilitates the transfer of the digital CR (computed radiography), GI images and the capture and digital storage of all ultrasound images. After integration into the ePACS database images are routed automatically for Radiologist review on the primary Radiologists workstation. DIGITAL image Radiologist review is performed on ultra-high resolution 5 million pixel monochrome imaging monitors. At Thistle all Mammographic Patient Information is also kept in a relational database using a programme designed to facilitate efficient patient management/ pathology follow-up/research. Our proprietary system also generates important patient "Follow-up Reminder Care and Request for Pathology Report letters" to referring Physicians and a maintains detailed "teaching file" case list.
But, what if I NEED my film? The reality is that it is becoming a DIGITAL world. Soon almost all Hospitals and Medical Professionals will be "online" or at least have easy access to the Internet.