Philips introduces next-generation IT

Philips Medical Systems launched what it describes as the next generation of medical IT systems today at the RSNA meeting. Called Vequion, this family of products is designed to streamline operations by integrating legacy IT systems and multiple modalities, regardless of the manufacturer.

Such homogenization typically risks reducing technological capabilities to the lowest common denominator, limiting users' ability to customize system functions. This is not the case for Vequion, according to Philips. The company believes Vequion represents Philips' commitment to eliminate the boundaries that hamper workflow, increase costs, and impede quality of care. It achieves wide-ranging compatibility while allowing customized data management based on individual or departmental preferences.

Among the key elements of Vequion are a user interface compatible with any modality console or workstation and software that recognizes users and presents data in the format each user prefers. ViewForum, one of the new software-based products within the Vequion family, lets customers configure multimodality workstations to their own preferences, combining viewing options, clinical applications, and PACS functionality. The work-in-progress ViewForum Pro will add interactive 3D volume rendering with direct manipulation, as well as the ability to inspect large data sets.

This adaptability and harmonization support department-specific workflow requirements while reducing costs, minimizing staff training, and boosting quality of care by streamlining operations, according to Philips. To ensure optimum compatibility, Philips Professional Services provides customers with integration/interfacing services, systems implementation, clinical consulting, project/program management, and training.