In the first two parts of this blog series, we discussed the foundational steps that RANZCR is taking to advance interoperability and digital health in clinical radiology. In this final instalment, we look ahead to the future, exploring how these initiatives will lead to more sophisticated digital health solutions and the broader impact on healthcare.
Imaging Guidelines and Clinical Decision Support to Enhancing Patient Care As we build the infrastructure for a more connected radiology ecosystem, one of the most exciting developments is the integration of clinical decision support (CDS) systems into the digital workflow. CDS systems provide real-time, evidence-based guidance to clinicians, helping them make more informed decisions about diagnostic imaging. By incorporating imaging guidelines into these systems, we can ensure that patients receive the most appropriate tests, reducing unnecessary imaging and associated risks such as radiation exposure.
The benefits of CDS extend beyond individual patient care. By standardising the referral process and ensuring that all relevant information is available at the point of care, CDS systems can improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. This leads to cost savings, better resource allocation, and ultimately, better health outcomes for patients.
The Radiology Referral Set role in SparkedPronounced as ‘fire’, the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard defines how healthcare information can be exchanged between different computer systems regardless of how it is stored in those systems. The Sparked Australian FHIR Accelerator is the driving organisation behind the development of the interoperability standards using FHIR for the future of Australian Healthcare. A group of people, industry and clinicians are developing the eRequesting Implementation Guide, the standard for electronic referrals within Australian Healthcare. The RANZCR RRS has been developed in line with the eRequesting Implementation Guide, and currently being socialised within Connectathons and group participants, to provide feedback, and technical validation on the purpose and content of the RRS.
Towards a Seamless Digital Health Journey The goal of these initiatives is to create a seamless digital health journey for patients. This means that from the moment a patient is referred for an imaging test to the delivery of results and follow-up care, every step is integrated, and patient centred. The projects outlined in this blog series—the Radiology Referral Set, eReferral, access to historic images, and clinical decision support—are all designed to work together to achieve this vision. RANZCR believes that clinical radiology can be a leader in the digital transformation of healthcare. By advocating for and implementing these digital health solutions, we can improve the quality and efficiency of radiology services and set a standard for other medical specialties to follow.
RANZCR is committed to leading this change, working with stakeholders across the healthcare sector to ensure that the digital health solutions of tomorrow are built on a patient centred foundation.
To learn more and dive deeper into the future of digital health and radiology, attend the Stars aligning on interoperability' session at the RANZCR ASM 2024 in Perth. Join us on Saturday, 19 October from 10:30-12.30pm. Register here today. Additionally, you can explore RANZCR's Digital Health white paper, "Towards Interoperability: Clinical Radiology Forging the Path Ahead", by accessing it here.