Mini-micro-mainframe computer marriage: combining technologies in a radiology results reporting system

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Radiology Information Systems

Background:

• The Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics' radiology department utilized a minicomputer-based information system since 1982.
• The existing system, a significant investment in hardware and customized software, lacked a radiology results reporting facility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the deficiency of a radiology results reporting facility within the existing minicomputer system.
• To explore options for integrating a reporting capability without replacing the entire established system.

Main Methods:

• Considered replacing the existing system with commercial alternatives.
• Evaluated in-house development, noting microcomputers were more suitable than the minicomputer.
• Decided to merge an in-house developed microcomputer-based report module into the existing minicomputer system.
• Utilized the minicomputer's ability to communicate and transfer files with micro and mainframe systems.

Main Results:

• Successfully integrated a microcomputer-based reporting module into the minicomputer system.
• Radiology reports are now created on microcomputer word processors and transferred in bulk.
• The minicomputer system provides access to unapproved and approved reports, merging patient data for enhanced reports.
• Reports are disseminated throughout the institution via the hospital mainframe system.

Conclusions:

• Merging microcomputer technology with an existing minicomputer system provided a cost-effective solution for enhancing radiology reporting.
• This hybrid approach preserved the investment in the original system while adding essential functionality.
• Improved access to radiology reports across the institution was achieved.