HCA Group creates gold standard for breast cancer screening

Published: 4-Nov-2014

Perceptive Software selected to support move to open up clinical access to patient information


HCA is working with Perceptive Software to deliver ‘high definition’ digital health records (DHR) for patients undergoing breast cancer screening, providing a more-complete picture of each patient’s medical history.

With breast cancer screening becoming more advanced, clinical access to patient images is often challenging and sometimes only possible from specific locations given the size and complexity of pictures and the proprietary nature of existing imaging platforms.

Using Perceptive Software’s Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) solution, HCA Group clinicians will now have easy access to advanced imaging such as Tomosynthesis 3D breast imaging in addition to standard diagnostic imaging, biopsies, clinical photography, video files and, in the future, pathology slides. Such files were previously held captive in disparate PACS or archive systems, but can now be combined with all patient records. This gives a full 360-degree patient view which will assist diagnosis, improve early cancer detection and the subsequent development of treatment programmes.

Clinical content is growing exponentially and increasing in complexity. The challenge is how to ensure such complex images routinely become part of the patient record

For patients, the solution means they can visit any one of HCA Group’s 24 UK hospitals and treatment centres, knowing that all their relevant information and images are available to their preferred clinician.

This new approach with Perceptive Software is improving the way HCA Group handles patient data, changing the inherent data infrastructure for faster access and easier archiving.

Kaye Bonython, head of imaging informatics at HCA Group, said: “Clinical content is growing exponentially and increasing in complexity. The challenge is how to ensure such complex images routinely become part of the patient record.

“Working with Perceptive Software we are able to take a more-efficient approach to how we handle patient data and records, ensuring that all the relevant information is available to clinicians as and when they need it.”

“It gives our clinicians a more-holistic view of patients, improving care and record keeping while giving patients the flexibility to choose the screening centre and treatment facilities that are right for them. It will act as a gold standard for breast cancer screening, enabling earlier detection and better treatment plans.”

It is essential for organisations like HCA to implement a single point of entry for clinicians to digitally capture and access different types of patient data files from a consolidated records database

Mark O’Herlihy, director of healthcare at Perceptive UK, added: “The role of clinical imaging in patient care has changed dramatically over the past few years. Imaging is no longer used solely for diagnosis, but also to assist in surgeries and to record treatments. Imaging has become a core part of all patient records.

“It is therefore essential for organisations like HCA to implement a single point of entry for clinicians to digitally capture and access different types of patient data files from a consolidated records database.”

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