Siemens offers intelligent tools for HIMSS 2009

Portal-driven workflow is setting a new standard in IT, according to Siemens Healthcare. Its role-based syngo portals addresses these standards, serving as access points to imaging information and context-sensitive tools, according to the company.
In its HIMSS booth, Siemens is highlighting workflow enhancements and role-based portals for radiology and cardiology. Its syngo Portal Radiologist goes beyond the traditional bounds of PACS to provide access to new and previous imaging studies, previous reports, lab values, and allergies, as well as scanned documents without having to access separate information systems. The upcoming version V351 of syngo Imaging for Siemens’ PACS will feature major “-ility-“ improvements, according to the company, affecting scalability and configurability. It will come with enhanced support functionality for the transition from Magic (the legacy Siemens PACS) to the new syngo Imaging PACS, offering Prior Handling/Multi-Patient Handling, as well as support for syngo MammoReport and syngo Expert-I. V351 also combines separate CAD (computer-aided detection) and advanced imaging solutions at the PACS viewing workstation.
 Also in the spotlight at HIMSS 2009 is Siemens’ most recent version of syngo Workflow SLR for its radiology information system (RIS). This version, V30B2, works through other software, for example, syngo Portal Radiologist, supporting an additional workflow step – “medical check of requests” – designed to help plan and validate exam orders. The dictation tool, syngo Voice, embedded in the RIS has been updated to include context sensitive shortcuts. With protocol distribution through syngo Chorus MR, the newest version of syngo Workflow SLR enables bidirectional communication to the modality. Protocols generated at the modality or at syngo Portal Radiologist are stored centrally and are, therefore, available for follow-up exams as well as for exams of other patients. Finally, enhancements towards clinical notifications make it possible to highlight certain clinical data, supporting prompt awareness of important patient information.
On the cardiology side, Siemens describes efforts to enhance its cardiology PACS, syngo Dynamics. Upgrades are aimed at streamlining clinical procedures in cardiovascular imaging, vascular ultrasound, general imaging, and OB/GYN. The upcoming version 8.01 will include features to enhance workflow in the cardiology department. A tool designed to keep track of key performance indicators, will help mangers balance resource use and improve physician productivity. A new scheduling option helps manage resources in cath and echo labs.