Latest news with #RadiologyInformationSystem
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
HDC finds ‘critical systems failure' at Health NZ, following woman's delayed cancer diagnosis and subsequent death
'There appears to be a failure in the referral system, along with us not knowing better about the aggressive nature and severity of gynaecological cancers since no one receives education or awareness on this ...' the family said in its complaint. 'If the referral was actioned when it should have [been], I believe we could have saved my mum's life. We're providing this feedback in hopes that this does not happen to another family again.' The HDC found Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland had a systems failure, where a referral made by the woman's GP did not get entered into the appropriate database. There was no electronic interface between the Referral Management System (RMS), where the GP's e-referral arrived, and the Radiology Information System (RIS), which would have triggered an ultrasound appointment. At the time of events, the process involved a referral being printed by one staff member, and entered and scanned by another staff member. Health NZ acknowledged those staff carried out other reception and administration duties at the same time, and 'there was no reconciliation process in place to check that the referrals that had been received in RMS had been loaded into RIS'. HDC Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said the case demonstrated a 'critical systems issue' at Health NZ. '[Health NZ] failed to implement adequate measures to prevent patient harm caused by the lack of systems integration ... it did not recognise the clinical risk created by the lack of support provided to new staff.' The HDC said Health NZ had been aware of the 'systems limitation' and had 'acknowedged there was no safety-net in place'. It was 'regrettable' that the data entry error made by the booking and reception administration led to 'a significant delay in the provision of care to Ms A', the HDC found. After the consultant gastroenterologist spotted the right-sided pelvic mass, which appeared solid, lobulated and separate from the uterus, he asked Ms A's GP to make referrals for a pelvic ultrasound and a gynaecological appointment. The GP, referred to as Dr B in the HDC findings, made those two referrals, via an electronic process, with both forms labelled 'urgent', and noting the incidental finding of the mass. Dr B did receive an email from gynaecology, requesting Ms A undergo blood tests for biomarkers, as there was 'insufficient information to triage the referral'. However, Dr B did not request the additional tumour markers as he believed it would be 'redundant' and 'unnecessary'. He was under a 'reasonable impression' that Ms A would qualify for an urgent gynaecology clinic appointment, based on the existing findings, including the large mass. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. His failure to complete the additional requested tumour markers constituted 'a mild departure' from the accepted standard of practice, the HDC found, given those markers had a limited role in the diagnosis of ovarian malignancy. Although Dr B explained his clinical reasoning for his decision, Dr Caldwell was critical that he did not seek clarification when he was unwilling to order the additional tests. When the woman visited on an unrelated matter a couple of months later, he asked his receptionist to clarify the wait time for the ultrasound scan. 'Dr B said that they were not given any specific indication other than a 'long wait', and the radiology staff did not give any indication that the referral was not in their system,' the findings said. After two weeks of abdominal bloating and pain, four weeks of constipation, and two days of vomiting, Ms A was referred to hospital where it was found the pelvic mass had progressed in size, and she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Ms A wanted to travel to China to see her parents and receive treatment, however, she wasn't cleared to fly given the 'risk of a sudden event leading to her death' and a life expectancy that was 'limited to weeks to months'. Advertise with NZME. The tumour did not respond to chemotherapy, surgery wasn't an option due to the progression of the cancer, and Ms A passed away a month after entering end-of-life care. The HDC found the GP's management of the referral also 'constituted a mild departure from the accepted standard of practice'. '... it is important for primary-care providers to track referrals to secondary care and provide updated referral information when relevant, to ensure that management is undertaken in a timely manner,' the findings stated. It was noted that it was 'unclear whether [formal] tracking would have altered Ms A's outcome', given the scheduling of the first gynaecology specialist appointment was dependent on receipt of the ultrasound referral. Advice to the HDC said Ms A's delayed diagnosis was due to process failures and inefficiencies in secondary care, as opposed to an oversight by Dr B. However, Dr Caldwell reminded Dr B that as the access point to secondary care, GPs should follow up referrals and ensure that appropriate action has been taken. She encouraged him to act proactively and with a degree of urgency when managing patient referrals, particularly when a life-threatening disease is involved. Both Dr B and Health NZ apologised to the family of Ms A. Health NZ is making ongoing changes to integration between systems, and there are now weekly reports that allow for cross-referencing to ensure referrals have been entered. There are dedicated booking clerks for primary care referral, who do not have the additional responsibility of working reception, and do the task at a dedicated time where there are minimal distractions.
Associated Press
18-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Solumed RIS Launches in Johannesburg, Bringing 35 Years of Expertise to Transform Radiology Workflow
Solumed RIS launches promising streamlined, affordable radiology workflows JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, February 18, 2025 / / -- Solumed, a trusted provider of healthcare software solutions for over 35 years, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, Solumed RIS. Designed to optimize radiology workflows, Solumed RIS introduces a new era of efficiency, affordability, and advanced technology for both on-site and teleradiology applications. A Legacy of Excellence in Healthcare Technology With a quarter-century of experience serving healthcare professionals, including radiologists, Solumed has continuously evolved to meet the industry's needs. The launch of Solumed RIS is a testament to the company's deep-rooted expertise and commitment to innovation. This state-of-the-art Radiology Information System (RIS) is designed to overcome traditional workflow challenges, offering a seamless, fully integrated solution that enhances both operational efficiency and patient care. Addressing Radiology Challenges Radiologists worldwide face numerous challenges, including workflow bottlenecks, communication gaps, reporting delays, and compliance complexities. Solumed RIS tackles these challenges by delivering: - Streamlined Workflow: Automating and optimizing every step, from patient scheduling to final reporting and billing, reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency. - Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time collaboration with automated version control ensures error-free reporting and smooth operations in busy radiology departments. - Advanced Technology: Features like Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) and MedDream DICOM Viewer provide secure, flexible storage and high-performance web-based viewing, enabling radiologists to work remotely with secure data access. - Affordability for Developing Markets: A cost-effective solution designed to bring cutting-edge radiology management to hospitals and practices without prohibitive costs, making it particularly valuable for developing regions. Key Features of Solumed RIS Building on Solumed's legacy of developing robust, user-friendly, and scalable healthcare solutions, Solumed RIS offers: - Comprehensive Radiology Workflow Solutions – Streamlining every aspect of radiology practice, from scheduling and billing to clinical reporting, with an intuitive, user-friendly design. - Optimized for Busy Radiologists – AI-powered reporting, customizable workflows, and integrated dictation features ensure efficiency, allowing radiologists to focus on diagnostics. - Flexible for On-Site and Teleradiology – Designed for both hospital-based radiology departments and teleradiology providers, enabling remote diagnostics with seamless connectivity. - Vendor Neutral Archive & MedDream DICOM Viewer –Store DICOM images securely and affordably and access them from anywhere with an internet connection, quickly and efficiently, and enjoy advanced image review with the award-winning MedDream DICOM Viewer. - Seamless PACS Integration – Connect with your existing Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). - Billing and Reporting Efficiency – Automating medical insurance claims and streamlining financial processes to ensure smooth operations. Ensure every patient is reported and billed! - Seamless HL7 Interoperability – Dynamic HL7 message mapping allows smooth communication between healthcare systems, reducing integration time and costs. - Automated Patient Communication (AutoComms) – Automating patient interactions via email, SMS, and WhatsApp, improving engagement and reducing no-shows. A Commitment to Innovation and Patient Care For 35 years, Solumed has been a trusted name in healthcare technology, known for delivering reliable, scalable, and affordable solutions tailored to the needs of medical professionals. The launch of Solumed RIS marks the next step in its mission to enhance radiology workflows, improve patient outcomes, and provide accessible technology for healthcare facilities worldwide. About Solumed RIS Solumed has been developing innovative healthcare software solutions for over 35 years, empowering radiologists, hospitals, and healthcare providers with cutting-edge medical technology. With a strong focus on efficiency, interoperability, and affordability, Solumed RIS is designed to streamline radiology operations while ensuring patient data security and compliance. Solumed RIS +27 11 719 2111 LinkedIn
