|
The
benefits of converting to a digital information system are numerous
as they relate to ease in review and archiving of images within
the echocardiography laboratory. A recent analysis of the accreditation
applications received by the ICAEL from November 2006 through
February 2007 indicated that 67% of those submitted came from
laboratories employing digital imaging technology. This represents
a dramatic increase from previous years. Dialogue with laboratories
indicates that a majority of those which have not yet migrated
to this new technology have plans to make the upgrade. Laboratories
preparing for conversion to a digital information system have
access to several resources providing details on the various
technologies and requirements associated with "going digital."
For example, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
has published guidelines on the topic, ASE Guidelines and
Recommendations for Digital Echocardiography JASE, March
2005, that can be viewed online at www.asecho.org/freepdf/DigitalEchoLabGuideline.pdf.
However, the question remains: How
do digital imaging technology and reporting systems impact those
preparing for accreditation?
The Benefits Of Digital Imaging Technology
As They Relate To Accreditation
- When
completing the accreditation application, laboratories are
required to submit case studies for review. In most instances,
digital image technology enables the laboratory to produce
higher quality images. This is paramount as case study review
accounts for the most heavily weighted aspect of the application
evaluation. Digital hardcopy submitted with case studies most
accurately reflects the level of quality acquired from the
ultrasound system, allowing sonographers to demonstrate their
"best work."
- The
accreditation application requests details on previous hardcopy
records and their availability for comparison with new studies.
In the digital laboratory, the practice of viewing and comparing
a current study to a previous study is simplified, and typically
more convenient as compared to the historically common procedure
of videotape review.
- The
ICAEL Standards strongly recommend intermittent peer
review of both the performance and interpretation of studies
to determine the quality, accuracy and appropriateness of
the examination (Part I Organization, Section 5, 5.1.4
- Peer Review).
- Digitally
stored images can easily be integrated into presentations
used to enhance education of the staff, during required echocardiography
conferences (Part I Organization, Section 5, 5.1.6.2 -
Echocardiography Conferences).
- The
reporting capabilities of digital systems help to ensure standardized
reporting by providing formats that can be customized to include
all required components of the Standards. During the evaluation
of cases, ICAEL application reviewers often find that reports
are incomplete and interpreting physicians fail to comment
on all basic cardiac structures in the final reports. It is
required that the report include not only the structures documented
in the course of the examination, but also the structures
that are either poorly or not visualized (Part II Adult
Transthoracic, Section 4, 4.1 - Examination Interpretation).
- Repeating
and verifying measurements offline via videotape requires
manual calibration of the ultrasound equipment whereby digitally
stored images can be measured without calibrating. This built-in
calibration allows physicians to easily repeat and verify
measurements performed in the digitally stored study.
- Other
benefits to employing digital systems include improved space/storage
utilization and productivity.
NEXT
>>
|
