Workflow Server Automates Medical Imaging Reading Environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for imaging procedures require image interpreters to manually configure reading environments to meet the specific needs and expectations of referring physicians, which is laborious and time-consuming, and often results in incomplete communication of imaging procedure specifics, especially when prior image examinations using standardized tools like Measurement Assistants (MA) are not available.
Innovation Solution
A workflow server system that automatically detects the needs of referring physicians and configures the reading environment for image interpreters by receiving requests, determining normalized needs, and generating information to assist in interpreting imaging procedures, thereby streamlining the imaging process and ensuring results meet the physician's requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image interpreter manually configures the reading environment to meet referring physician needs, then the reading environment can be customized to specific physician requirements, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically determining the referring physician's needs and pre-configuring the reading environment before the image interpreter begins work. The workflow server receives the imaging procedure request, determines normalized needs, and generates reading environment information in advance, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the interpretation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the reading environment to automatically adapt to physician requirements without manual intervention. The workflow server autonomously configures the reading environment based on the referring physician's needs, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring the image interpreter to manually configure each environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image interpreter manually synthesizes downstream needs and configures supportive technology, then the reading environment can address physician expectations, but the process becomes complex and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow server acts as an intermediary between the referring physician and the image interpreter. It receives the imaging procedure request, determines the normalized needs, and generates the appropriate reading environment configuration, thereby mediating the complex synthesis process and eliminating the need for the image interpreter to manually analyze and configure workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of need synthesis and workflow configuration with an automated information processing system. The workflow server automatically determines normalized needs from the imaging procedure request and generates reading environment information, substituting manual cognitive and configuration tasks with automated computational processes.
3Reliability
If the Measurement Assistant is universally adopted, then tumor measurements can be standardized and re-used, but adoption rates remain conservative at around 80% due to manual contribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining the referring physician's needs and configuring the reading environment without requiring manual user input. This eliminates the manual contribution barrier that prevents universal MA adoption, allowing the system to automatically provide standardized measurements when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow server performs preliminary action by pre-determining the normalized needs from the imaging procedure request and pre-configuring the reading environment with appropriate measurement tools. This preliminary configuration ensures that standardized measurements are automatically available without requiring the image interpreter to manually set up the Measurement Assistant.
4Extent of automation
If prior image examinations with Measurement Assistant are not available, then the system cannot automatically determine downstream needs, but this situation occurs frequently with new patients or new tumors
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the traditional approach by determining needs from the imaging procedure request itself rather than from prior examinations. Instead of relying on historical data to infer needs, the workflow server extracts normalized needs directly from the current procedure request, enabling automatic need detection for new patients and new tumors without requiring prior MA usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method determines a reading environment by synthesizing downstream needs. The method at a workflow server includes receiving a request from a physician device utilized by a referring physician, the request directed to performing an imaging procedure. The method includes determining at least one normalized need from the request, the normalized need corresponding to the referring physician. The method includes generating information to be included in a reading environment based on the at least one normalized need, the information assisting an image interpreter in interpreting the imaging procedure.