Considerations for setting up an order entry system for nuclear medicine tests

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Information Systems
• Nuclear Medicine Technology

Background:

• Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise-Japan (IHE-J) aims to standardize health information based on IHE specifications.
• Specialized workflows in nuclear medicine hinder online patient and test order information sharing.
• Inconsistent information management and lack of uniform patient data control exist in nuclear medicine facilities.

Framework:

• Examined the basic subsystem design for nuclear medicine order entry systems.
• Focused on creating consistency with facility-wide information systems.
• Addressed challenges in standardizing nuclear medicine test information.

Implementation:

• Developed order entry systems incorporating exclusion settings for radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agents.
• Integrated appointment frame settings for diverse imaging methods and test items.
• Prioritized essential subsystem requirements for effective nuclear medicine order entry.

Implications:

• Uniform patient information management in nuclear medicine is achievable with specialized order entry systems.
• Enables seamless integration with Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS) using DICOM standards.
• Facilitates real-time healthcare assistance, improving service and information sharing aligned with IHE goals.