Radiology Workflow for Non-Standard Projection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiology workflows for non-standard radiographic projections are complex, prone to errors, and costly due to difficulties in clearly describing deviations from standard projections, leading to increased interaction and supervision needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables a first user to define a non-standard radiographic projection through a planning tool, generating positional instructions for a second user, and verifying the acquired image against the defined projection using a 3D model and AI-based interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate systems are used for patient identification, image acquisition, and workflow management, then each system can be optimized independently, but system complexity increases and workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines patient identification, image acquisition, and workflow management into a single integrated radiology information system. The system uses a centralized database to store patient data and coordinates all imaging processes through one unified platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems and improving workflow efficiency while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiology information system is designed to perform multiple functions including patient identification, scheduling, image acquisition coordination, and workflow management within a single platform. This multi-functional approach allows one system to replace several specialized systems, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If manual patient identification and verification processes are used, then system complexity remains low, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary patient identification and verification actions automatically before the imaging process begins. Patient data is pre-loaded into the system, and verification is conducted through automated comparison with imaging records, eliminating manual verification steps and accelerating patient processing without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service patient identification through automated data retrieval and verification processes. Patient information is automatically fetched from the database and matched with imaging requests without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing processing speed while keeping the automation complexity manageable through software-based solutions.
3Reliability
If comprehensive patient data is collected and stored centrally, then workflow coordination improves and medical errors decrease, but data security risks and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where patient data is continuously verified and cross-checked against imaging records and medical history. This automated feedback loop ensures data accuracy and reduces medical errors by immediately identifying inconsistencies, while the centralized management of this feedback process keeps data management complexity controlled through standardized procedures.
4Productivity
If multiple imaging parameters and protocols are managed separately, then flexibility is maintained, but workflow time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures imaging protocols and parameters in the centralized database before clinical use. Common imaging sequences and settings are prepared in advance and can be automatically selected based on patient data and diagnostic requirements, eliminating the need for manual protocol selection and significantly accelerating the imaging workflow while managing protocol complexity through centralized storage and automated selection logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
Many potential interactions may occur during the planning and execution of non-standard projections in radiological examinations, leading to an increased risk of error and a longer, more complex, and costly workflow. There is provided a method to be used in radiology workflow which comprises, in a planning step, enabling a first user to prepare an imaging examination request defining a non-standard projection for a radiographic image; in a communication step, processing the imaging examination request to generate positional instructions on how to achieve the non-standard projection, outputting the positional instructions to a second user, and receiving a radiographic image acquired using the non- standard projection; and, in a verification step, determining whether the received radiographic image fulfils the imaging examination request. The method thus facilitates the planning and execution of the acquisition of a radiographic image using a non-standard projection, while reducing the risk, complexity, duration and cost of the workflow.