Interfacing the radiology information system to the modality: an integrated approach

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging Informatics
• Radiology Information Systems

Background:

• Radiology Information Systems (RIS) are crucial for managing patient and examination data in radiology.
• Integrating RIS data into Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) headers is ideal for digital imaging workflows.
• Current systems often lack seamless RIS integration at the imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a highly integrated RIS interface for a digital radiography (DR) system.
• To ensure RIS information is available at the modality and automatically populates DICOM fields.
• To enhance the efficiency of radiologic procedures through improved data exchange.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel RIS interface employing browser technology for modality access.
• Utilized DICOM Modality Performed Procedure Step (MPPS) for RIS/DR information exchange.
• Implemented a single display screen for alternating between modality control and RIS windows.

Main Results:

• Achieved convenient availability of RIS information at the DR modality.
• Successfully integrated RIS data into DICOM image headers via MPPS.
• Enabled full RIS functionality, including worklists and prior reports, directly at the modality.

Conclusions:

• The designed RIS interface significantly enhances workflow efficiency in digital radiography.
• Browser technology and DICOM MPPS provide a robust solution for RIS-DR integration.
• Providing comprehensive RIS access at the modality improves data accuracy and procedural streamlining.