Guided Workflow Protocol Manager for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging diagnostic workflows are inefficient due to the need for technologists to manually select and update protocols based on clinical rules, leading to subjective decisions and inconsistencies, which can result in incorrect protocol selection and imaging system settings, increasing cognitive load and the risk of diagnostic errors.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows authenticated users to modify default imaging protocols via a protocol manager interface, specifying action items and sequences, which are then stored and retrieved for non-authenticated users to follow a guided workflow, reducing subjectivity and inconsistencies by providing step-by-step instructions and automating imaging system settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If technologists manually select and update protocols based on clinical rules, then protocol selection flexibility is improved, but cognitive load and risk of errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables authenticated users to self-configure protocols by modifying action items and sequences through the protocol manager interface, eliminating the need for manual technologist intervention during scans while maintaining protocol adaptability to clinical rules
Solution Approach 2:
Protocols are pre-configured with action items and sequences before scanning operations begin. The system performs preliminary setup of imaging system parameters and workflow steps, allowing technologists to simply select pre-defined protocols rather than manually configuring them during time-critical scan situations
2Measurement precision
If technologists refer to manuals and handbooks during active scan, then protocol selection accuracy is improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol manager interface acts as an intermediary between the technologist and the complex protocol configuration system. It provides a user-friendly graphical interface that displays available protocols and their parameters, eliminating the need for technologists to consult external manuals while maintaining accurate protocol selection
Solution Approach 2:
All protocol configurations, action items, and imaging system parameters are prepared in advance and stored in the system database. During the actual scan, the technologist simply selects from pre-configured options, eliminating the time-consuming process of referring to manuals and handbooks during the active scan
3Reliability
If default protocol includes all related protocol details, then protocol completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The default protocol is segmented into discrete action items organized in sequences, each representing a specific step in the diagnostic workflow. This segmentation allows the system to present only the relevant subset of steps to the technologist at any given time, rather than requiring them to manage all possible steps simultaneously, thus reducing cognitive load while maintaining completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol structure is designed to be dynamic, with action items and sequences that can be automatically activated or deactivated based on the specific clinical scenario and patient needs. The system dynamically adjusts which protocol steps are presented to the technologist, providing a simplified view for routine cases while maintaining access to the complete protocol set for complex situations
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for generating a guided workflow and assisting in clinical decision making during operation of an imaging system at a site. Via a protocol manager interface, displaying a default protocol generated for the imaging system by a manufacturer, an authorized user may customize the protocol for the site. A workflow, in accordance with the modified protocol, is then displayed to another non-authenticated user at a time of operating the imaging system for an active scan.