Radiology teleassistance addresses staff shortages and complex diagnostics in healthcare. Remote network access solutions alleviate the burden on radiology staff and patients. AdventHealth and Geisinger have implemented teleassistance, allowing virtual technicians equipped with advanced scanning software to perform remote scans. This technology reduces the need for patient transportation, decreases rescan rates, and increases efficiency and access to care. Standardizing protocols and optimizing equipment utilization further, enhance radiology services across various locations.
The field of radiology is encountering new obstacles, most notably a shortage of skilled specialists. To address this issue, major hospitals in the United States have turned to a remote network access solution, providing relief for both staff and patients.
Challenges in Diagnostic Imaging
The global population is aging, driven by declining fertility rates and longer life expectancies. This demographic shift has resulted in a larger elderly population, consequently placing strain on healthcare systems as these individuals require more medical attention. The increasing demand, coupled with the complexity of various conditions, has pushed medical radiology technicians to their limits. However, a novel approach has emerged, alleviating the burden on clinical teams and opening up new employment opportunities.
The Impact of “The Great Resignation”
AdventHealth, a renowned hospital, has been impacted by what the media has termed “The Great Resignation.” The hospital’s main campus in Orlando, Florida, conducts advanced and intricate MRI scans with the assistance of experienced technicians. This arrangement was developed when the main hospital was the only facility, and technicians were traditionally trained. However, as AdventHealth expanded and established outpatient departments across the state, the situation changed. Melissa Petrasko, former Vice President of Imaging Services, Central Florida Division at AdventHealth, explains, “We encountered obstacles as advanced cases could not be handled at smaller campuses. The low patient volume in those locations made it difficult to maintain competency.”
The Role of Teleassistance
Under the previous setup, patients from small community hospitals had to be transported to the main campus in Orlando for advanced procedures almost daily. Some ambulatory centers were located up to 30 miles away, requiring patients to stay for more than 24 hours. This created a backlog of scheduled MRI exams, leading to increased turnaround times.
Addressing this challenge, AdventHealth sought a solution that would eliminate the need to transfer patients. Instead, they aimed to bring the technology to the patient. Virtual technicians equipped with laptops and Siemens Healthineers’ remote scanning software, “syngo Virtual Cockpit,” now can perform scans remotely from any location.
In 2019, AdventHealth implemented syngo Virtual Cockpit, which can be used with CT, Spect, MR, and MR PET scanners. Petrasko states, “Since adopting this technology, we haven’t had to repeat a single patient. Previously, the rescan rate at smaller campuses was around 40%. This technology has enabled AdventHealth to increase its market share in cardiac MRI by 38%. The team loves it.” Virtual technologists can operate three scanners simultaneously, ensuring that no appointments need to be canceled or rescheduled. Instead, they can call upon their virtual technologist for assistance.
Advantages of Virtual Scanning
By utilizing virtual scanning, experts can remain in one location without the need for travel, ultimately scanning patients without requiring transfers. This reduction in patient transportation frees up valuable resources for other purposes. Patients gain access to nearby scanner sites, allowing for quick scheduling and shorter wait times.
Extending Imaging Hours and Boosting Exam Volume
Teleassistance in radiology is revolutionizing the way work is conducted. Geisinger, for example, has successfully leveraged a combination of digital health solutions to standardize radiology protocols, enhance access to care, and optimize equipment utilization. Remote scanning enables care teams to standardize procedures, improve productivity, and deliver high-quality imaging services across all locations.