Biomedical subjects

P J Unkel

Publications and source records attributed to P J Unkel.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Picture archiving and communication systems planning: a methodology.

This article presents the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) planning methodology used by the Department of Defense's (DOD) Joint Imaging Technology Project Office (JITPO). This methodology evaluates four areas of PACS planning and implementation: strategic planning, clinical scenario planning, installation planning, and implementation planning. The first task is to develop a PACS team, from the local facility, that will execute the program. A written PACS plan is developed by the JITPO, with active input and final say from the site's PACS team. This plan includes the PACS goals and objectives, clinical requirements, facility requirements, and the status of the implementation. This methodology, when applied fully at a military clinical site, has resulted in the site obtaining best "value" in terms of cost and performance by requiring the DOD's contracted PACS vendors to propose a PACS package that meets or exceeds the site's unique requirements. The identification of the requirements and the matching of a known PACS configuration with them has reduced the number of unknowns within the vendors' proposals and created true competition in both initial cost and the cost to maintain PACS in the maintenance years. Although there are certain factors unique to planning a military PACS, such as preselected vendors, the planning methodology described in this article should provide a valuable strategy for any hospital planning a PACS.

Hospitals, Military↗

PubMed1999

Process reengineering: the role of a planning methodology and picture archiving and communications system team building.

The acquisition of a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is an opportunity to reengineer business practices and should optimally consider the entire process from image acquisition to communication of results. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the PACS planning methodology used by the Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Imaging Technology Project Office (JITPO), outline the critical procedures for each phase, and review the military experience using this model. The methodology is segmented into four phases: strategic planning, clinical scenario planning, installation planning, and implementation planning. Each is further subdivided based on the specific tasks that need to be accomplished within that phase. By using this method, an institution will have clearly defined program goals, objectives, and PACS requirements before vendors are contacted. The development of an institution-specific PACS requirement should direct the process of proposal comparisons to be based on functionality and exclude unnecessary equipment. This PACS planning methodology is being used at more than eight DOD medical treatment facilities. When properly executed, this methodology facilitates a seamless transition to the electronic environment and contributes to the successful integration of the healthcare enterprise. A crucial component of this methodology is the development of a local PACS planning team to manage all aspects of the process. A plan formulated by the local team is based on input from each department that will be integrating with the PACS. Involving all users in the planning process is paramount for successful implementation.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed1998

Large-scale PACS implementation.

The transition to filmless radiology is a much more formidable task than making the request for proposal to purchase a (Picture Archiving and Communications System) PACS. The Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration have been pioneers in the transformation of medical diagnostic imaging to the electronic environment. Many civilian sites are expected to implement large-scale PACS in the next five to ten years. This presentation will related the empirical insights gleaned at our institution from a large-scale PACS implementation. Our PACS integration was introduced into a fully operational department (not a new hospital) in which work flow had to continue with minimal impact. Impediments to user acceptance will be addressed. The critical components of this enormous task will be discussed. The topics covered during this session will include issues such as phased implementation, DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) standard-based interaction of devices, hospital information system (HIS)/radiology information system (RIS) interface, user approval, networking, workstation deployment and backup procedures. The presentation will make specific suggestions regarding the implementation team, operating instructions, quality control (QC), training and education. The concept of identifying key functional areas is relevant to transitioning the facility to be entirely on line. Special attention must be paid to specific functional areas such as the operating rooms and trauma rooms where the clinical requirements may not match the PACS capabilities. The printing of films may be necessary for certain circumstances. The integration of teleradiology and remote clinics into a PACS is a salient topic with respect to the overall role of the radiologists providing rapid consultation. A Web-based server allows a clinician to review images and reports on a desk-top (personal) computer and thus reduce the number of dedicated PACS review workstations. This session will focus on effective strategies for a seamless transition. Critical issues involve maintaining a good working relationship with the vendor, cultivating personnel readiness and instituting well-defined support systems. Success depends on the ability to integrate the institutional directives, user expectations and available technologies. A team approach is mandatory for success.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed1996

Colonization with antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in children with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: Because of susceptibility to severe pneumococcal infection, children with sickle cell disease (SCD) routinely receive penicillin prophylaxis. Increasing rates of penicillin resistance have been reported throughout the world. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of nasopharyngeal colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the organisms in children with SCD. STUDY DESIGN: Nasopharyngeal cultures for S. pneumoniae were obtained from all children with SCD attending clinics in a statewide university-based network. Background colonization rates were determined in children attending day care centers in some of the same locations. All recovered S. pneumoniae organisms were tested for susceptibility to penicillin, and all resistant strains were examined for susceptibility to other antibiotics. RESULTS: Overall nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization rates among children with SCD were 12%. Colonization was associated with age less than 2 years (p <0.001) and day care attendance for more than 20 hr/wk (p = 0.00005). More than half of these strains (62%) were resistant to penicillin, 33% having intermediate resistance (minimal inhibitory concentration 0.06 to 1 microgram/ml) and 29%, high level resistance (minimal inhibitory concentration > or = 2.0 microgram/ml). Penicillin resistance was associated with penicillin prophylaxis (p <0.01). Many of these organisms were also resistant to other classes of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Although penicillin prophylaxis and pneumococcal vaccine for patients with SCD have reduced overall nasopharyngeal colonization and disease caused by S. pneumoniae (p <0.001), a higher percentage of colonizing strains are now resistant both to penicillin and to other antimicrobial agents (p <0.01). Newer strategies for preventing disease and early management of suspected pneumococcal infection in these children must be developed.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗